What is the ICD-10 code for sunburn?

The ICD-10 code for sunburn varies by degree: L55.0 for first degree, L55.1 for second degree, L55.2 for third degree, and L55.9 for unspecified sunburn.

Do I need an external cause code for sunburn?

An external cause code is not typically required for natural sunburns coded with L55.x, but is necessary for artificial UV sources like tanning beds.

How do you code a sunburn from a tanning bed?

Use L56.8 for sunburn from a tanning bed, and include the external cause code W89.1XXA to specify the source.

ICD-10 Coding for Sunburn(L55.0, L55.1, L55.2)

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Explore the ICD-10 coding for sunburn, including first, second, and third degree burns. Learn about documentation requirements and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Solar erythemaUV burn

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Sunburn

L00-L99Primary Range

Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

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Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

Code	Description	When to Use	Key Documentation
L55.0	Sunburn of first degree	Use for erythema caused by sun exposure without blistering.	Tender erythema without blistering
L55.1	Sunburn of second degree	Use for sunburns with blistering.	Clear fluid-filled blisters moist surface
L55.2	Sunburn of third degree	Use for severe sunburns with necrosis.	Dry leathery skin with white/black discoloration
L55.9	Sunburn, unspecified	Use when the degree of sunburn is not documented.	General symptoms of sunburn without specific degree
L56.8	Other specified acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation	Use for sunburns from tanning beds or other artificial UV sources.	Skin changes due to artificial UV exposure

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Sunburn of first degree

L55.0Billable

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Burn of first degree of head and neckT20.0

Burn of second degree of trunkT21.2

Burn of third degree of upper limbT22.3

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Sunburn.

Omitting the source of UV exposure

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment recommendations., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation

Use structured templates, Educate staff on documentation standards

Using thermal burn codes (T20-T25) for sunburns

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to potential denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on burn types.

Mitigation

Always use L55.x codes for sunburns.

Not specifying the degree of sunburn

Impact

Reimbursement: May affect billing accuracy and reimbursement., Compliance: Failure to meet documentation standards., Data Quality: Lack of specificity in patient records.

Mitigation

Ensure documentation includes the degree of burn.

Incorrect coding of sunburns

Impact

Using thermal burn codes instead of L55 series.

Mitigation

Regular training and audits of coding practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Primary Code

L55.0

Sunburn of first degree

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