2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R20.9Unspecified disturbances of skin sensation

ICD-10-CM Codes›R00–R99›R20-R23›R20

ICD-10-CM R20.9
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

R20.9 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for unspecified disturbances of skin sensation. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026). As a symptom code, it should not be used as a principal diagnosis once a related definitive diagnosis has been established. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Skin/Subcutaneous signs and symptoms.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
R20.9
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Unspecified disturbances of skin sensation
Short Description
Unspecified disturbances of skin sensation
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
R20
Disturbances of skin sensation

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 CodeR20.9Unspecified disturbances of skin sensation

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Altered sensation of skin
  • Finding of sensation by site
  • Impaired tactile sensation of limb
  • Loss of protective sensation of skin
  • Peripheral vascular disease of foot with loss of protective sensation
  • Peripheral vascular disease of foot with loss of protective sensation and deformity
  • Sensory disorder
  • Sensory disorder as a late effect of cerebrovascular disease
  • Sensory disturbance in limb
  • Sensory symptoms
  • Skin sensation disturbance

Index to Diseases and InjuriesGuidance

Alphabetical index entries that point to this code.

External Cause of Injuries IndexGuidance

References for this code in the External Cause of Injuries Index.

    • Disturbance(s)
      • sensation (cold) (heat) (localization) (tactile discrimination) (texture) (vibratory) NEC
    • Disturbance(s)
      • sensation (cold) (heat) (localization) (tactile discrimination) (texture) (vibratory) NEC
        • skin
    • Sensibility disturbance(cortical) (deep) (vibratory)

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR SYM014
Skin/Subcutaneous signs and symptoms
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

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.

Convert R20.9 to ICD-9-CMHistory

The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.

ICD-9-CM
782.0 Skin sensation disturb
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.

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 R20.9Overview

Is R20.9 (Disturbances of skin sensation) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report unspecified disturbances of skin sensation on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Can R20.9 be a principal diagnosis?

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

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of R20.9?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, unspecified disturbances of skin sensation converts to ICD-9-CM 782.0 (skin sensation disturb). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.

Footnotes

[1] Not chronic - A diagnosis code that does not fit the criteria for chronic condition (duration, ongoing medical treatment, and limitations) is considered not chronic. Some codes designated as not chronic are acute conditions. Other diagnosis codes that indicate a possible chronic condition, but for which the duration of the illness is not specified in the code description (i.e., we do not know the condition has lasted 12 months or longer) also are considered not chronic.