ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for pigmentation
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Pigmentation (abnormal) (anomaly)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding pigmentation
The ICD-10-CM code for pigmentation is L81.9 (Disorder of pigmentation, unspecified). The official index lists 12 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on L81.9.
Within L81, choose L81.9 (Disorder of pigmentation, unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (L81.0), Chloasma (L81.1), Freckles (L81.2), cafe au lait spots (L81.3), other melanin hyperpigmentation (L81.4), Leukoderma, not elsewhere classified (L81.5), other disorders of diminished melanin formation (L81.6), pigmented purpuric dermatosis (L81.7) and 1 more.
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 606 (Minor Skin Disorders with MCC, relative weight 1.5728), DRG 607 (Minor Skin Disorders without MCC, relative weight 0.8772) and DRG 795 (Normal Newborn, relative weight 0.2022), in MDC 09 (Diseases and Disorders of the Skin, Subcutaneous Tissue and Breast) and MDC 15 (Newborns and Other Neonates with Conditions Originating in the Perinatal Period), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.
More specific pigmentation codes (official index)
- conjunctiva H11.13 — Conjunctival pigmentations
- cornea (anterior) H18.01 — Anterior corneal pigmentations
- posterior H18.05 — Posterior corneal pigmentations
- stromal H18.06 — Stromal corneal pigmentations
- diminished melanin formation NEC L81.6 — Other disorders of diminished melanin formation
- iron L81.8 — Other specified disorders of pigmentation
- lids, congenital Q82.8 — Other specified congenital malformations of skin
- limbus corneae
- metals L81.8 — Other specified disorders of pigmentation
- optic papilla, congenital Q14.2 — Congenital malformation of optic disc
- retina, congenital (grouped) (nevoid) Q14.1 — Congenital malformation of retina
- scrotum, congenital Q82.8 — Other specified congenital malformations of skin
- tattoo L81.8 — Other specified disorders of pigmentation
Common questions about pigmentation ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for pigmentation?
- L81.9 — Disorder of pigmentation, unspecified. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: H11.13, H18.01, H18.05, H18.06 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for conjunctiva pigmentation?
- H11.13 — Conjunctival pigmentations (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for cornea pigmentation?
- H18.01 — Anterior corneal pigmentations (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for diminished melanin formation nec pigmentation?
- L81.6 — Other disorders of diminished melanin formation.
What is the ICD-10 code for iron pigmentation?
- L81.8 — Other specified disorders of pigmentation.
What is the ICD-10 code for metals pigmentation?
- L81.8 — Other specified disorders of pigmentation.
What is the ICD-10 code for tattoo pigmentation?
- L81.8 — Other specified disorders of pigmentation.
Is L81.9 billable?
- Yes. L81.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can L81.9 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict L81.9 as a principal diagnosis.
Is L81.9 a CC or MCC?
- No. L81.9 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.