ICD10BillableValid for clinical use
ICD-10 Code L81.9: Disorder of pigmentation, unspecified
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 disorder of pigmentation, 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
L80-L99Other disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
category
L81Other disorders of pigmentation
currentL81
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
Related codes
L81.0Postinflammatory hyperpigmentationcodeL81.1ChloasmacodeL81.2FrecklescodeL81.3Café au lait spotscodeL81.4Other melanin hyperpigmentationcodeL81.5Leukoderma, not elsewhere classifiedcodeL81.6Other disorders of diminished melanin formationcodeL81.7Pigmented purpuric dermatosiscodeL81.8Other specified disorders of pigmentationcode
Sibling codes
L81.0Postinflammatory hyperpigmentationbillableL81.1ChloasmabillableL81.2FrecklesbillableL81.3Café au lait spotsbillableL81.4Other melanin hyperpigmentationbillableL81.5Leukoderma, not elsewhere classifiedbillableL81.6Other disorders of diminished melanin formationbillableL81.7Pigmented purpuric dermatosisbillableL81.8Other specified disorders of pigmentationbillable
Coverage-related procedures and services
CPT 11920high
TATTOOING, INTRADERMAL INTRODUCTION OF INSOLUBLE OPAQUE PIGMENTS TO CORRECT COLOR DEFECTS OF SKIN, INCLUDING MICROPIGMENTATION; 6.0 SQ CM OR LESS
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 11921high
TATTOOING, INTRADERMAL INTRODUCTION OF INSOLUBLE OPAQUE PIGMENTS TO CORRECT COLOR DEFECTS OF SKIN, INCLUDING MICROPIGMENTATION; 6.1 TO 20.0 SQ CM
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 11922high
TATTOOING, INTRADERMAL INTRODUCTION OF INSOLUBLE OPAQUE PIGMENTS TO CORRECT COLOR DEFECTS OF SKIN, INCLUDING MICROPIGMENTATION; EACH ADDITIONAL 20.0 SQ CM, OR PART THEREOF (LIST SEPARATELY IN ADDITION TO CODE FOR PRIMARY PROCEDURE)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
Mapped diagnoses and classifications
SNOMED_CT 267819003high
Acquired disorder of skin colour
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 238698004high
Acquired hypermelanotic disorder
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 95370008high
Application site pigmentation changes
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 80201000119103high
Atypical pigmented lesion
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 304229000high
Blue skin
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 315254001high
Changing colour of pigmented skin lesion
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
Coding guidelines
Compatibility
Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
L81.9
Common synonyms
Disorder of pigmentation, unspecifiedDisorder of pigmentation
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.