2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R23Other skin changes

ICD-10-CM Codes›R00–R99›R20-R23›R23

ICD-10-CM R23
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

R23 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for other skin changes, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as R23.0, R23.1, R23.2, and R23.3. 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
R23
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Other skin changes
Short Description
Other skin changes
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
CategoryR23Other skin changes
This CodeR23Other skin changes

Specific Coding for Other skin changesOverview

Non-specific codes like R23 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use R23.0 for Cyanosis

  • Use R23.1 for Pallor

  • Use R23.2 for Flushing

  • Use R23.3 for Spontaneous ecchymoses

  • Use R23.4 for Changes in skin texture

  • Use R23.8 for Other skin changes

  • Use R23.9 for Unspecified skin changes

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to R23: 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.

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.

Patient EducationClinical

Skin Conditions

Your skin is your body's largest organ. It covers the entire outside of your body. There are many ways that your skin protects your body and helps keep you healthy. For example, it:

The full article covers:

  • What does your skin do?
  • What problems and conditions can affect your skin?
  • How can I keep my skin healthy?

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 R23Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for other skin changes?

R23 is the ICD-10-CM category for other skin changes, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is R23 (Other skin changes) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for other skin changes, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for other skin changes need a more specific code from this category, such as R23.0, R23.1, and R23.2.

Can R23 be a principal diagnosis?

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