ICD-10 Code L50.2 – Urticaria due to cold and heat (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L50.2 – Urticaria due to cold and heat
What it is
This code identifies urticaria triggered by temperature exposure, including cold or heat. It refers to wheals or hives that appear after a temperature-related trigger rather than an infection or allergy.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings include transient itchy wheals, redness, and swelling that develop after exposure to cold or heat and improve when the trigger is removed.
When to use this code
Use L50.2 when the provider documents urticaria caused by cold, heat, or both temperature extremes. It is appropriate when the record links the hives directly to environmental temperature exposure. Check documentation if the trigger is unclear or if another specific type of urticaria is documented.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonspecific urticaria without a documented temperature trigger. Do not assign it when the reaction is due to drugs, food, contact substances, or another clearly documented cause.
Coding tip
Code only when the chart explicitly connects the urticaria to cold or heat exposure; otherwise, check documentation for a more specific diagnosis.