ICD-10 Code L81.3 – Café au lait spots (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L81.3 – Café au lait spots
What it is
L81.3 identifies café au lait spots, which are flat, light-to-dark brown skin macules. Use this code when the documentation specifically describes these pigmented birthmarks or lesions.
Clinical signs
These spots are usually well-circumscribed, uniform in color, and can vary in size and number. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation, especially when notes mention multiple lesions or associated syndromic findings.
When to use this code
Use L81.3 when the provider documents café au lait spots as the diagnosis or a notable finding requiring coding. It may also apply when the record describes these lesions during evaluation of a pigmentary disorder. If the note only says “skin discoloration,” check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for other pigmented lesions, bruising, or generalized hyperpigmentation unless the record clearly identifies café au lait spots. Check documentation when the morphology or cause is unclear.
Coding tip
Code the documented skin finding exactly as stated and query the provider if café au lait spots are mentioned without a clear diagnosis.