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ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

L51Erythema multiforme

Not billable — use a more specific code

L51 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 6 more specific codes beneath it.

Code unchanged since ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-CM release from CDC/NCHS and CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About L51

L51 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for erythema multiforme. It belongs to block L49-L54 (urticaria and erythema) and chapter 12 (diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue). It is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself; one of its 6 subcodes must be used instead.

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: L51.0 (multiforme), L51.1 (syndrome), L51.2 ([Lyell]), L51.3 (syndrome), L51.8 (multiforme) and L51.9 (unspecified).

Don't report L51 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (L00) and Ritter's disease (L00).

Use an additional code for adverse effect, if applicable, to identify drug (T36-T50 with fifth or sixth character 5). Use an additional code to identify associated manifestations, such as: arthropathy associated with dermatological disorders (M14.8-), conjunctival edema (H11.42), conjunctivitis (H10.22-), corneal scars and opacities (H17.-), corneal ulcer (H16.0-) and 7 more.

It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015 and hasn't changed since.

Specific codes under L51

Coding notes

Excludes1Not coded here — never report together with this code
  • staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (L00)
  • Ritter's disease (L00)
Use additional codeAdd a secondary code to fully describe the condition
  • code for adverse effect, if applicable, to identify drug (T36-T50 with fifth or sixth character 5)
  • code to identify associated manifestations, such as:
  • arthropathy associated with dermatological disorders (M14.8-)
  • conjunctival edema (H11.42)
  • conjunctivitis (H10.22-)
  • corneal scars and opacities (H17.-)
  • corneal ulcer (H16.0-)
  • edema of eyelid (H02.84-)
  • inflammation of eyelid (H01.8-)
  • keratoconjunctivitis sicca (H16.22-)
  • mechanical lagophthalmos (H02.22-)
  • stomatitis (K12.-)
  • symblepharon (H11.23-)
  • code to identify percentage of skin exfoliation (L49.-)

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to L51.

Broader instructions also apply from L49-L54 Urticaria and erythema and Chapter 12: Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.

Codes whose notes reference L51

Code history

  1. 2016
  2. 2017
  3. 2018
  4. 2019
  5. 2020
  6. 2021
  7. 2022
  8. 2023
  9. 2024
  10. 2025
  11. 2026
  12. 2027
  • FY2016 (effective 10/1/2015): Added (first year of ICD-10-CM)
  • No changes since FY2016.

Common questions about L51

Is L51 billable?

No. L51 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.