ICD-10 Code for Sunburn
The ICD-10-CM code for sunburn is L55.9 — Sunburn, unspecified. This is the code the Alphabetic Index gives for sunburn with no further qualifier, valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
L55.9 is billable but unspecified. If the documentation names a type, site or cause, one of the more specific codes below is likely expected.
Which sunburn code should you use?
The Alphabetic Index lists 6 codes under Sunburn. 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
Sunburn due to
| tanning bed | L56.8 | Other specified acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation | |
| ultraviolet radiation | L56.8 | Other specified acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation | |
| tanning bed › chronic | L57.8 | Other skin changes due to chronic exposure to nonionizing radiation | |
| ultraviolet radiation › chronic | L57.8 | Other skin changes due to chronic exposure to nonionizing radiation |
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