2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L81Other disorders of pigmentation

ICD-10-CM Codes›L00–L99›L80-L99›L81

ICD-10-CM L81
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

L81 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for other disorders of pigmentation, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as L81.0, L81.1, L81.2, and L81.3.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
L81
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Other disorders of pigmentation
Chapter
L80-L99
Other disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

Code Classification

ChapterL00–L99Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
SectionL80-L99Other disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
CategoryL81Other disorders of pigmentation
This CodeL81Other disorders of pigmentation

Specific Coding for Other disorders of pigmentationOverview

Non-specific codes like L81 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use L81.0 for Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation

  • Use L81.1 for Chloasma

  • Use L81.2 for Freckles

  • Use L81.3 for Cafe au lait spots

  • Use L81.4 for Other melanin hyperpigmentation

  • Use L81.5 for Leukoderma, not elsewhere classified

  • Use L81.6 for Other disorders of diminished melanin formation

  • Use L81.7 for Pigmented purpuric dermatosis

  • Use L81.8 for Other specified disorders of pigmentation

  • Use L81.9 for Disorder of pigmentation, unspecified

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Type 1 Excludes

Type 2 Excludes

  • nevus - see Alphabetical Index

Patient EducationClinical

Skin Pigmentation Disorders

Pigmentation means coloring. Skin pigmentation disorders affect the color of your skin. Your skin gets its color from a pigment called melanin. Special cells in the skin make melanin. When these cells become damaged or unhealthy, it affects melanin production. Some pigmentation disorders affect just patches of skin.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About L81Overview

Is L81 (Other disorders of pigmentation) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for other disorders of pigmentation, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for other disorders of pigmentation need a more specific code from this category, such as L81.0, L81.1, and L81.2.