ICD-10 Code L50.5 – Cholinergic urticaria (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L50.5 – Cholinergic urticaria
What it is
L50.5 identifies cholinergic urticaria, a hive-like skin reaction triggered by increased body heat, sweating, or exertion. It is a specific form of urticaria that you code when documentation names this diagnosis.
Clinical signs
Patients typically have small, itchy wheals that appear after exercise, hot showers, stress, or other heat-producing triggers. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use L50.5 when the provider documents cholinergic urticaria, heat-induced hives, or a similar confirmed diagnosis. Code it for visits focused on evaluation or management of this condition, not for nonspecific itching or rash without a clear diagnosis.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for other urticaria types, such as allergic or idiopathic urticaria, unless the record specifically says cholinergic. Check documentation if the trigger or diagnosis is unclear.
Coding tip
Match the code to the documented trigger and diagnosis wording, and do not assume cholinergic urticaria from sweating alone.