2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R23.9Unspecified skin changes

ICD-10-CM Codes›R00–R99›R20-R23›R23

ICD-10-CM R23.9
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

R23.9 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for unspecified skin changes. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) 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

ICD-10-CM Code
R23.9
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Unspecified skin changes
Short Description
Unspecified skin changes
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
R23
Other skin changes

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 CodeR23.9Unspecified skin changes

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

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.

    • Change(s) (in) (of)
      • skin
    • Symptoms NEC
      • involving
        • skin and integument
    • Symptoms NEC
      • skin and integument NEC
    • Symptoms NEC
      • subcutaneous tissue NEC

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

Clinical InformationClinical

  • POEMS Syndrome

    a multisystemic disorder characterized by a sensorimotor polyneuropathy (polyneuropathies), organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and pigmentary skin changes. other clinical features which may be present include edema; cachexia; microangiopathic glomerulopathy; pulmonary hypertension (hypertension, pulmonary); cutaneous necrosis; thrombocytosis; and polycythemia. this disorder is frequently associated with osteosclerotic myeloma. (from adams et al., principles of neurology, 6th ed, p1335; rev med interne 1997;18(7):553-62)

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.

ICD-9-CM
782.9 Integument tiss symp NEC
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 R23.9Overview

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, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

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 606, 607, with relative weights from 0.9064 to 1.5132 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.

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.