2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R23.9Unspecified skin changes
ICD-10-CM Codes›R00–R99›R20-R23›R23
- Billable — Valid for Submission
- Not Chronic
R23.9 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for unspecified skin changes. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2027 (October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027) and groups to MS-DRG 606 through 607. 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
Code Classification
Approximate SynonymsGuidance
Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.
- Cutaneous insect bite reaction
- Finding of integrity of skin
- Insect bite reaction
- POEMS syndrome
- Poor skin condition
- Skin appearance abnormal
- Skin changes due to malnutrition
- Skin disorder monitoring status
- Skin problem
- Skin sign from acute arsenic toxicity
- Skin symptom change
- Streptococcal toxin mediated cutaneous reaction
- Unhealthy skin
Instructional NotesGuidance
Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to R23.9: 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.
Notes
General instructions on how these codes are used.
- 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.
Index to Diseases and InjuriesGuidance
Alphabetical index entries that point to this code.
Change (s) (in) (of) See Also: Removal;
skin R23.9
skin and integument R23.9
skin and integument NEC R23.9
subcutaneous tissue NEC R23.9
Clinical ClassificationClinical
AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.
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.
Convert R23.9 to ICD-9-CMHistory
The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About R23.9Overview
What is the ICD-10 code for unspecified skin changes?
The ICD-10-CM code for unspecified skin changes is R23.9 (sometimes written as R239). It is billable on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
Is R23.9 (Other skin changes) a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report unspecified skin changes on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
What MS-DRG does R23.9 group to?
When unspecified skin changes is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 607, 606, with relative weights from 0.8772 to 1.5721 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.
Can R23.9 be a principal diagnosis?
Use it with care. This is a symptom code, so once a definitive diagnosis explaining the unspecified skin changes is established, that condition takes the principal position instead.
What is the ICD-9 equivalent of R23.9?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, unspecified skin changes converts to ICD-9-CM 782.9 (integument tiss symp NEC). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.
