ICD-10 Code for Pigmentation
Also indexed as (abnormal) (anomaly)
The ICD-10-CM code for pigmentation is L81.9 — Disorder of pigmentation, unspecified. This is the code the Alphabetic Index gives for pigmentation with no further qualifier, valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
L81.9 is billable but unspecified. If the documentation names a type, site or cause, one of the more specific codes below is likely expected.
Which pigmentation code should you use?
The Alphabetic Index lists 10 codes under Pigmentation. Which one applies depends on the qualifier documented in the record — the type, site, cause, or associated condition. Find the qualifier below, then verify the code in the Tabular List before using it.
By type
| conjunctiva | H11.13Not billable | Conjunctival pigmentations |
| cornea | H18.01Not billable | Anterior 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 |
| metals | L81.8 | Other specified disorders of pigmentation |
| optic papilla, congenital | Q14.2 | Congenital malformation of optic disc |
| retina, congenital | Q14.1 | Congenital malformation of retina |
| scrotum, congenital | Q82.8 | Other specified congenital malformations of skin |
| tattoo | L81.8 | Other specified disorders of pigmentation |
Index terms and codes are reproduced from the official ICD-10-CM FY2027 release. The Alphabetic Index is a finding aid — a code must always be verified in the Tabular List before it is reported. Data sources