Epidermolysis bullosa (Q81) ICD-10-CM
The Q81 code range covers epidermolysis bullosa with 6 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 5 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Codes in the Q81 Range 6 codes · 5 billable
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the Q81 range.
Epidermolysis Bullosa
Group of genetically determined disorders characterized by the blistering of skin and mucosae. There are four major forms: acquired, simple, junctional, and dystrophic. Each of the latter three has several varieties.
Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita
Form of epidermolysis bullosa characterized by trauma-induced, subepidermal blistering with no family history of the disease. Direct immunofluorescence shows IMMUNOGLOBULIN G deposited at the dermo-epidermal junction.
Epidermolysis Bullosa Dystrophica
Form of epidermolysis bullosa characterized by atrophy of blistered areas, severe scarring, and nail changes. It is most often present at birth or in early infancy and occurs in both autosomal dominant and recessive forms. All forms of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa result from mutations in COLLAGEN TYPE VII, a major component fibrils of BASEMENT MEMBRANE and EPIDERMIS.
Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex
A form of epidermolysis bullosa characterized by serous bullae that heal without scarring. Mutations in the genes that encode KERATIN-5 and KERATIN-14 have been associated with several subtypes of epidermolysis bullosa simplex.
Epidermolysis Bullosa, Junctional
Form of epidermolysis bullosa having onset at birth or during the neonatal period and transmitted through autosomal recessive inheritance. It is characterized by generalized blister formation, extensive denudation, and separation and cleavage of the basal cell plasma membranes from the basement membrane.
About the Q81 Code Range
ICD-10 code Q81 identifies various forms of epidermolysis bullosa, a rare group of inherited skin disorders characterized by fragile skin that blisters easily. These codes clarify the specific subtype of epidermolysis bullosa, ensuring precise classification for diagnosis and treatment.
The section includes Q81.0 for epidermolysis bullosa simplex, covering types such as autosomal recessive or dominant forms, and variants with features like hypodontia or mottled pigmentation. Commonly known synonyms such as “autosomal recessive epidermolysis bullosa simplex” and “epidermolysis bullosa simplex herpetiformis” help medical coders select the exact code based on the patient’s presentation. Q81.1 covers epidermolysis bullosa letalis, including severe subtypes like generalized junctional epidermolysis bullosa, also called Herlitz type. Q81.2 classifies dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, incorporating dominant and recessive forms with synonyms like “dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa” and “generalized recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.” Q81.8 identifies other specified forms, such as junctional variants and rare syndromes including Weber-Cockayne syndrome. Finally, Q81.9 denotes unspecified epidermolysis bullosa, used when detailed subtype information is unavailable.
Understanding these codes enables clearer communication about epidermolysis bullosa’s specific type, guiding clinical care and improving coding accuracy for billing and epidemiology. For example, searching “ICD-10 code for epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica” leads directly to Q81.2, streamlining diagnosis documentation.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the Q81 range?
Of the 6 codes in this range, 5 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the Q81 range classify?
The range classifies epidermolysis bullosa. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
