Skip to main content
L50.9

Urticaria, unspecified

Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue Billable
Quick Reference
Hives or welts on skin without specification of acute vs chronic or trigger

Clinical Information

When to Use This Code

Hives or welts on skin without specification of acute vs chronic or trigger

Common Clinical Scenarios

  • Acute urticaria/hives
  • Allergic reaction with hives
  • Antihistamine prescribing
  • Chronic idiopathic urticaria

Documentation Requirements

  • Document distribution and appearance of hives
  • Record duration (acute <6 weeks, chronic ≥6 weeks)
  • Note triggers if identified (food, medication, physical)
  • Specify response to antihistamines

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Terms

These terms are included in this code:

HivesUrticaria NOSWheals

Exclusion Terms

Do NOT use this code for:

  • Angioedema (T78.3)
  • Anaphylaxis (T78.2)
  • Drug-induced urticaria (use drug code + L50.0)

Coding Notes

Acute urticaria (<6 weeks) often allergic
Chronic urticaria (≥6 weeks) usually idiopathic
Consider autoimmune workup if chronic

Related ICD-10 Codes

Consider these related codes based on patient presentation:

Automate Your Coding

Let OrbDoc AI automatically suggest ICD-10 codes based on your clinical documentation.

Request Demo Learn More

Code Details

Code
L50.9
Category
Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
Billable Status
Billable

Need Coding Help?

Our medical coding specialists can help you navigate complex coding scenarios.

Contact Us

Related Solutions & Resources

Discover how OrbDoc helps healthcare providers document accurately for proper coding and billing optimization related to L50.9:

Related resources

Finish Your Documentation Faster

OrbDoc AI generates clinical documentation and suggests appropriate ICD-10 codes, saving you hours of administrative work.