ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for skin change
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Change (s) (in) (of) › skin”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding skin change
The ICD-10-CM code for skin change is R23.9 (Unspecified skin changes). The official index lists 10 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on R23.9.
Within R23, choose R23.9 (Unspecified skin changes) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: Cyanosis (R23.0), Pallor (R23.1), Flushing (R23.2), spontaneous ecchymoses (R23.3), changes in skin texture (R23.4) and other skin changes (R23.8).
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) and DRG 607 (Minor Skin Disorders without MCC, relative weight 0.8772), in MDC 09 (Diseases and Disorders of the Skin, Subcutaneous Tissue and Breast), 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 skin change codes (official index)
- acute, due to ultraviolet radiation L56.9 — Acute skin change due to ultraviolet radiation, unspecified
- specified NEC L56.8 — Other specified acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation
- chronic, due to nonionizing radiation L57.9 — Skin changes due to chronic exposure to nonionizing radiation, unspecified
- specified NEC L57.8 — Other skin changes due to chronic exposure to nonionizing radiation
- cyanosis R23.0 — Cyanosis
- flushing R23.2 — Flushing
- pallor R23.1 — Pallor
- petechiae R23.3 — Spontaneous ecchymoses
- specified change NEC R23.8 — Other skin changes
- swelling
- texture R23.4 — Changes in skin texture
Common questions about skin change ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for skin change?
- R23.9 — Unspecified skin changes. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: L56.9, L56.8, L57.9, L57.8 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for cyanosis skin change?
- R23.0 — Cyanosis.
What is the ICD-10 code for flushing skin change?
- R23.2 — Flushing.
What is the ICD-10 code for pallor skin change?
- R23.1 — Pallor.
What is the ICD-10 code for petechiae skin change?
- R23.3 — Spontaneous ecchymoses.
What is the ICD-10 code for texture skin change?
- R23.4 — Changes in skin texture.
Is R23.9 billable?
- Yes. R23.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can R23.9 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict R23.9 as a principal diagnosis.
Is R23.9 a CC or MCC?
- No. R23.9 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.