ICD-10 Code L76.21 – Postprocedural hemorrhage of skin and subcutaneous tissue following a dermatologic procedure (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L76.21 – Postprocedural hemorrhage of skin and subcutaneous tissue following a dermatologic procedure
What it is
L76.21 identifies bleeding from the skin or subcutaneous tissue that occurs after a dermatologic procedure. Use it when the record shows a postoperative hemorrhage or bleeding complication tied to a skin procedure.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include bleeding, oozing, or a hematoma at the procedure site. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the exact complication and whether it involved skin or subcutaneous tissue.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents postprocedural hemorrhage after a dermatologic procedure, such as excision, biopsy, or other skin intervention. The complication must be linked to the procedure, not to an unrelated skin condition. Check documentation if the note only mentions expected postoperative drainage.
Do not use for
Do not use it for routine postoperative bruising, normal wound drainage, or bleeding unrelated to a dermatologic procedure. Also avoid it when the bleeding source is elsewhere or the complication is not documented.
Coding tip
Always confirm the procedure type and the complication wording in the operative or follow-up note before assigning L76.21.