ICD-10 Code L81.8 – Other specified disorders of pigmentation (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L81.8 – Other specified disorders of pigmentation
What it is
L81.8 is used for pigmentation disorders that do not fit a more specific ICD-10 category. It identifies unusual or specified color changes of the skin when documentation supports a nonstandard diagnosis.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. You may see localized or generalized changes in skin color, such as hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, without a better-defined pigment disorder.
When to use this code
Use L81.8 when the clinician documents a specific pigment abnormality that is not listed elsewhere in ICD-10-CM. It is appropriate when the record supports a diagnosed discoloration but does not name a more precise condition. Check documentation if the cause is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code when a more specific pigmentation disorder is documented, or when the finding is only a symptom without a diagnosis. Also avoid it if the condition is better classified elsewhere.
Coding tip
Choose the most specific pigmentation code available; use L81.8 only after reviewing the chart for a better-defined diagnosis.