When is ICD-10 code L56.9 used?

Doctors, hospitals, and insurers may use ICD-10 code L56.9 when recording acute skin change due to ultraviolet radiation, unspecified in a standardized format.

Does ICD-10 code L56.9 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.

ICD10BillableValid for clinical use

ICD-10 Code L56.9: Acute skin change due to ultraviolet radiation, unspecified

Name: ICD-10 Code L56.9: Acute skin change due to ultraviolet radiation, unspecified
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-26T05:25:39.445Z

L56.9 is a billable ICD-10 diagnosis code used to classify Acute skin change due to ultraviolet radiation, unspecified in medical records and claims. You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records. ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 26 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. 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 acute skin change due to ultraviolet radiation, unspecified in a patient's medical record.
May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.

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.

Code hierarchy

chapter

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

block

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

Where you may see this code

You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.

Related specialists

Dermatologist

Sibling codes

L56.0Drug phototoxic responsebillable L56.1Drug photoallergic responsebillable L56.2Photocontact dermatitis [berloque dermatitis]billable L56.3Solar urticariabillable L56.4Polymorphous light eruptionbillable L56.5Disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP)billable L56.8Other specified acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiationbillable

Mapped diagnoses and classifications

SNOMED_CT 402165001high

Acute effect of ultraviolet radiation on normal skin

Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.

Legacy codes

L56.9

Common synonyms

Acute skin change due to ultraviolet radiation, unspecifiedAcute skin change 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.