Pruritus (L29) ICD-10-CM
The L29 code range covers pruritus with 9 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 7 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.
Codes in the L29 Range 9 codes · 7 billable
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the L29 range.
Pruritus
An intense itching sensation that produces the urge to rub or scratch the skin to obtain relief.
Pruritus Ani
Intense chronic itching in the anal area.
Pruritus Vulvae
Intense itching of the external female genitals.
About the L29 Code Range
The ICD-10 codes starting with L29 cover various types of pruritus, which means itching of the skin. These codes help specify the exact location and cause of itching, such as around the anus, genital organs, or due to systemic conditions.
This section includes general pruritus (L29) and more specific diagnoses like pruritus ani (L29.0), which refers to itching of the skin near the anus, also known as pruritis of the anogenital region. Codes like L29.1 and L29.2 describe itching of the male and female genital organs, respectively, using terms such as scrotal pruritus or pruritus vulvae. L29.3 addresses unspecified anogenital pruritus, which covers irritation or itching in the perineal and genital skin areas. Other codes include cholestatic pruritus (L29.81), related to liver conditions causing itching, and L29.89 for less common types such as brachioradial summer pruritus or aquagenic pruritus. When the cause or location of itching is unclear, L29.9 is used for unspecified pruritus, which also includes itching linked to systemic illnesses, drug reactions, or neurological disorders. Understanding these distinctions helps healthcare professionals accurately code and communicate the nature of pruritus in patient records.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the L29 range?
Of the 9 codes in this range, 7 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 L29 range classify?
The range classifies pruritus. 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.
