What does ICD-10 code L56 mean?

ICD-10 code L56 is the standardized code used for other acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation in medical records and coding systems.

When is ICD-10 code L56 used?

Doctors, hospitals, and insurers may use ICD-10 code L56 when recording other acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation in a standardized format. This entry may also act as a broader category that points toward more specific child codes.

Does ICD-10 code L56 confirm a diagnosis?

No. A code helps standardize documentation and claims, but it should not be read as a substitute for a clinician's full assessment.

ICD10

ICD-10 Code L56: Other acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation

Name: ICD-10 Code L56: Other acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-21T06:16:38.996Z

L56 is an ICD-10 diagnosis entry used to group records related to Other acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation. You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen. ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99).

When is it used?

May be used when a clinician documents other acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation in a patient's medical record.
May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.

What it does not mean

A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.

Code hierarchy

chapter

12Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99)

block

L55-L59Radiation-related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

currentL55-L59

Official coding notes

Applicable to

code to identify the source of the ultraviolet radiation (W89, X32)

Use additional code

code to identify the source of the ultraviolet radiation (W89, X32)

Where you may see this code

You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.

Related specialists

Dermatologist

Sibling codes

L55Sunburn L57Skin changes due to chronic exposure to nonionizing radiation L58Radiodermatitis L59Other disorders of skin and subcutaneous tissue related to radiation

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy code aligns to an official FY 2026 category. Frontend should resolve to the official category page and surface the billable child codes.

Legacy codes

L56

Replacement codes

L56.0 — Drug phototoxic responseL56.1 — Drug photoallergic responseL56.2 — Photocontact dermatitis [berloque dermatitis]L56.3 — Solar urticariaL56.4 — Polymorphous light eruptionL56.5 — Disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP)L56.8 — Other specified acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiationL56.9 — Acute skin change due to ultraviolet radiation, unspecified

Common synonyms

Other acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation

Frequently asked questions

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.