Other disorders of pigmentation (L81) ICD-10-CM
The L81 code range covers other disorders of pigmentation with 11 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 10 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
Type 2 Excludes
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
- nevus - see Alphabetical Index
Codes in the L81 Range 11 codes · 10 billable
- L81 Other disorders of pigmentationNon-billable
- L81.0 Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation
- L81.1 Chloasma
- L81.2 Freckles
- L81.3 Cafe au lait spots
- L81.4 Other melanin hyperpigmentation
- L81.5 Leukoderma, not elsewhere classified
- L81.6 Other disorders of diminished melanin formation
- L81.7 Pigmented purpuric dermatosis
- L81.8 Other specified disorders of pigmentation
- L81.9 Disorder of pigmentation, unspecified
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the L81 range.
Melanosis
Disorders of increased melanin pigmentation that develop without preceding inflammatory disease.
Orthostatic Intolerance
Symptoms of cerebral hypoperfusion or autonomic overaction which develop while the subject is standing, but are relieved on recumbency. Types of this include NEUROCARDIOGENIC SYNCOPE; POSTURAL ORTHOSTATIC TACHYCARDIA SYNDROME; and neurogenic ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION. (From Noseworthy, JH., Neurological Therapeutics Principles and Practice, 2007, p2575-2576)
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
A syndrome of ORTHOSTATIC INTOLERANCE combined with excessive upright TACHYCARDIA, and usually without associated ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION. All variants have in common an excessively reduced venous return to the heart (central HYPOVOLEMIA) while upright.
Skin Pigmentation
Coloration of the skin.
About the L81 Code Range
The ICD-10 codes in the L81 category are specifically used to identify and classify a range of disorders of skin pigmentation. These codes help distinguish between different conditions involving abnormal changes in skin color caused by excess or diminished melanin, as well as other pigmentation abnormalities.
For medical coders and healthcare providers, the ICD-10 code for other disorders of pigmentation (L81) covers conditions such as postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (L81.0), which is the darkening of skin after injury or inflammation. Chloasma (L81.1) refers to melasma, often related to hormonal changes or drugs. Freckles (L81.2) and café au lait spots (L81.3) describe specific patterns of hyperpigmentation sometimes linked to genetic syndromes like neurofibromatosis. The section also includes codes for other melanin hyperpigmentation (L81.4) and leukoderma (L81.5), which involve light-colored skin patches. Other entries cover diminished melanin formation disorders (L81.6), pigmented purpuric dermatosis (L81.7), and various specified or unspecified pigmentation disorders (L81.8 and L81.9). By referencing listed synonyms such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, ephelis (freckles), and café au lait spots, coders can confidently select the correct code to accurately represent the pigmentation condition being documented.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the L81 range?
Of the 11 codes in this range, 10 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 L81 range classify?
The range classifies other disorders of pigmentation. 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.
