2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R20Disturbances of skin sensation

ICD-10-CM Codes›R00–R99›R20-R23›R20

ICD-10-CM R20
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

R20 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for disturbances of skin sensation, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as R20.0, R20.1, R20.2, and R20.3. As a symptom code, it should not be used as a principal diagnosis once a related definitive diagnosis has been established.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
R20
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Disturbances of skin sensation
Short Description
Disturbances of skin sensation
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
R20-R23
Symptoms and signs involving the skin and subcutaneous tissue

Code Classification

ChapterR00–R99Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified
SectionR20-R23Symptoms and signs involving the skin and subcutaneous tissue
CategoryR20Disturbances of skin sensation
This CodeR20Disturbances of skin sensation

Specific Coding for Disturbances of skin sensationOverview

Non-specific codes like R20 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use R20.0 for Anesthesia of skin

  • Use R20.1 for Hypoesthesia of skin

  • Use R20.2 for Paresthesia of skin

  • Use R20.3 for Hyperesthesia

  • Use R20.8 for Other disturbances of skin sensation

  • Use R20.9 for Unspecified disturbances of skin sensation

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to R20: its own notes plus those printed at block R20-R23 and Chapter 18. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Excludes1

Not coded here: the excluded code is never reported together with this one, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

  • dissociative anesthesia and sensory loss (F44.6)
  • psychogenic disturbances (F45.8)

Excludes2

Not included here: the excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, so both codes may be reported.

From Block R20-R23 Symptoms and signs involving the skin and subcutaneous tissue applies to 26 codes
From Chapter 18 (R00-R99) Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified applies to 774 codes
  • abnormal findings on antenatal screening of mother (O28.-)
  • certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P04-P96)
  • signs and symptoms classified in the body system chapters
  • signs and symptoms of breast (N63, N64.5)

Notes

General instructions on how these codes are used.

From Chapter 18 (R00-R99) Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified applies to 774 codes
  • This chapter includes symptoms, signs, abnormal results of clinical or other investigative procedures, and ill-defined conditions regarding which no diagnosis classifiable elsewhere is recorded.
  • Signs and symptoms that point rather definitely to a given diagnosis have been assigned to a category in other chapters of the classification. In general, categories in this chapter include the less well-defined conditions and symptoms that, without the necessary study of the case to establish a final diagnosis, point perhaps equally to two or more diseases or to two or more systems of the body. Practically all categories in the chapter could be designated 'not otherwise specified', 'unknown etiology' or 'transient'. The Alphabetical Index should be consulted to determine which symptoms and signs are to be allocated here and which to other chapters. The residual subcategories, numbered .8, are generally provided for other relevant symptoms that cannot be allocated elsewhere in the classification.
  • The conditions and signs or symptoms included in categories R00-R94 consist of:
  • (a) cases for which no more specific diagnosis can be made even after all the facts bearing on the case have been investigated;
  • (b) signs or symptoms existing at the time of initial encounter that proved to be transient and whose causes could not be determined;
  • (c) provisional diagnosis in a patient who failed to return for further investigation or care;
  • (d) cases referred elsewhere for investigation or treatment before the diagnosis was made;
  • (e) cases in which a more precise diagnosis was not available for any other reason;
  • (f) certain symptoms, for which supplementary information is provided, that represent important problems in medical care in their own right.

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.

Referenced in Other NotesGuidance

Instructional notes printed at other codes that name R20, its category, or a range that includes it.

Excludes2 1

These codes carry an Excludes2 note naming R20: its condition is not part of those codes, and both may be reported when the patient has both.

  • R44 Other symptoms and signs involving general sensations and perceptions
    disturbances of skin sensation (R20.-)

Patient EducationClinical

Peripheral Nerve Disorders

Nerves are like wires that carry messages back and forth between your brain and your body. Your peripheral nerves branch off from your brain and spinal cord and connect to all parts of your body, including your muscles and organs.

The full article covers:

  • What are peripheral nerves?
  • What are peripheral nerve disorders?
  • What causes peripheral nerve disorders?
  • What are the symptoms of peripheral nerve disorders?
  • How are peripheral nerve disorders diagnosed?
  • What are the treatments for peripheral nerve disorders?
  • Can peripheral nerve disorders be prevented?

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 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About R20Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for disturbances of skin sensation?

R20 is the ICD-10-CM category for disturbances of skin sensation, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is R20 (Disturbances of skin sensation) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for disturbances of skin sensation, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for disturbances of skin sensation need a more specific code from this category, such as R20.0, R20.1, and R20.2.

Can R20 be a principal diagnosis?

Use it with care. This is a symptom code, so once a definitive diagnosis explaining the disturbances of skin sensation is established, that condition takes the principal position instead.

Can R20 be reported with F44.6?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note on R20 lists "dissociative anesthesia and sensory loss (F44.6)". An Excludes1 note means the excluded code is never reported together with this one; the only exception is when the two conditions are unrelated to each other (Official Guidelines, Section I.A.12.a).