ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for Sunburn
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Sunburn”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding Sunburn
The ICD-10-CM code for Sunburn is L55.9 (Sunburn, unspecified). The official index lists 7 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on L55.9.
Within L55, choose L55.9 (unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: of first degree (L55.0), of second degree (L55.1) and of third degree (L55.2).
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 Sunburn codes (official index)
- due to
- tanning bed (acute) L56.8 — Other specified acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation
- chronic L57.8 — Other skin changes due to chronic exposure to nonionizing radiation
- ultraviolet radiation (acute) L56.8 — Other specified acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation
- chronic L57.8 — Other skin changes due to chronic exposure to nonionizing radiation
- first degree L55.0 — Sunburn of first degree
- second degree L55.1 — Sunburn of second degree
- third degree L55.2 — Sunburn of third degree
Common questions about Sunburn ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for Sunburn?
- L55.9 — Sunburn, unspecified. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: L56.8, L57.8, L56.8, L57.8 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for first degree sunburn?
- L55.0 — Sunburn of first degree.
What is the ICD-10 code for second degree sunburn?
- L55.1 — Sunburn of second degree.
What is the ICD-10 code for third degree sunburn?
- L55.2 — Sunburn of third degree.
Is L55.9 billable?
- Yes. L55.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can L55.9 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict L55.9 as a principal diagnosis.
Is L55.9 a CC or MCC?
- No. L55.9 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.