L51 – Erythema multiforme

ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code · Urticaria and erythema

Non-billable header

ICD-10-CM code L51

Code: L51 (claims format: L51)
Description: Erythema multiforme
Billable: No – use a more specific code below
Valid for: Dates of service October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 (FY2027)
Chapter: 12. Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99)
Block: L49-L54 Urticaria and erythema

Billable codes under L51

L51 is a header code and cannot be used on claims. Choose the most specific code:

L51.0 – Nonbullous erythema multiformeBillable
L51.1 – Stevens-Johnson syndromeBillable
L51.2 – Toxic epidermal necrolysis [Lyell]Billable
L51.3 – Stevens-Johnson syndrome-toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap syndromeBillable
L51.8 – Other erythema multiformeBillable
L51.9 – Erythema multiforme, unspecifiedBillable

Notes for L51

Excludes1 (not coded here):

staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (L00)
Ritter's disease (L00)

Use additional code:

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 inherited from parent codes

Instructional notes at a category or block level apply to every code below it.

Block L49-L54

Excludes1 (not coded here):

Lyme disease (A69.2-)
rosacea (L71.-)

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code L51?

L51 is the ICD-10-CM code for erythema multiforme, in the block L49-L54 (Urticaria and erythema).

Is L51 a billable code?

No. L51 is a header code with more specific child codes; report one of the billable codes listed above.

Source: CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM FY2027 code files, tabular list and index. Reference only – code assignment must follow the official ICD-10-CM guidelines and documentation in the medical record.