ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for actinic cheilitis
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Cheilitis (acute) (angular) (catarrhal) (chronic) (exfoliative) (gangrenous) (glandular) (infectional) (suppurative) (ulcerative) (vesicular) › actinic (due to sun)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding actinic cheilitis
The ICD-10-CM code for actinic cheilitis is L56.8 (Other specified acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation). The official index lists 1 more specific code, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on L56.8.
Within L56, choose L56.8 (Other specified acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: drug phototoxic response (L56.0), drug photoallergic response (L56.1), Photocontact dermatitis [berloque dermatitis] (L56.2), solar urticaria (L56.3), Polymorphous light eruption (L56.4), disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP) (L56.5) and acute skin change due to ultraviolet radiation, unspecified (L56.9).
Use an additional code to identify the source of the ultraviolet radiation (W89, X32).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
More specific actinic cheilitis codes (official index)
- other than from sun L59.8 — Other specified disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue related to radiation
Common questions about actinic cheilitis ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for actinic cheilitis?
- L56.8 — Other specified acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: L59.8.
What is the ICD-10 code for other than from sun actinic cheilitis?
- L59.8 — Other specified disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue related to radiation.
Is L56.8 billable?
- Yes. L56.8 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can L56.8 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict L56.8 as a principal diagnosis.
Is L56.8 a CC or MCC?
- No. L56.8 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.