Skin tags. Almost everyone has one at some point. They’re small, harmless, and easy to remove. But from a medical billing or documentation perspective, they still matter. That’s where ICD-10 codes come in.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to document skin tags correctly using ICD-10 —including which codes to use, when to use them, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Let’s break it down step by step.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags — also acrochordons — are small, soft, flesh-colored growths. You’ll often see them in places where skin rubs together, like:
- Neck
- Armpits
- Eyelids
- Groin
- Under the breasts
They aren’t cancerous. They don’t hurt. But they can be annoying, especially if they catch on clothing or jewelry.
Imagine a 45-year-old woman visits her primary care doctor.
She has three small skin tags on her neck and wants to know if she should be worried.
The doctor confirms they’re benign and records them in her chart.
Even though they require no urgent treatment, they still require accurate coding.
What Is ICD-10 and Why Does It Matter?
ICD-10 stands for the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision.
Usually, doctors, hospitals, and insurance companies use it to classify diseases and health conditions using standardized codes.
Because accurate codes help them receive accurate and on-time reimbursements.
The ICD-10 codes help in:
- Tracking diagnoses and trends
- Billing insurance accurately
- Keeping consistent records across providers
Think of it as the medical world’s universal language.
ICD-10 Code for Skin Tags
When it comes to medical coding, skin tags may seem simple. But, they still need precision for accurate records and reimbursement.
Since skin tags don’t have their own ICD-10 code, healthcare professionals use the best-matching option available, which is:
L91.8 – Other Hypertrophic Disorders of Skin
Now, at first glance, this might feel too broad. The code doesn’t even mention the word “skin tag.” So why is this the right one?
Let’s understand this.
Why L91.8 Is Used for Skin Tags
Here’s the logic:
- Skin tags (acrochordons)arenon-cancerous growths made of collagen and blood vessels.
- They grow outward from the skin and often appear where the skin folds or rubs.
- This growth behavior is classified as hypertrophic, meaning there’s a thickening or overgrowth of skin tissue.
Because skin tags don’t fit under codes for warts, moles, or tumors—and they’re not infectious or malignant—L91.8 becomes the most logical and accepted choice.
This code acts as a “catch-all” for skin growths that are hypertrophic but don’t fall into more specific categories.
In short: it’s broad, but it works — and it’s used consistently across clinical and billing platforms.
Let’s look at what each part of the code means:
- L = Indicates that this condition is a skin and subcutaneous tissue disorder.
- 91 = Represents hypertrophic and atrophic conditions of the skin — so any overgrowth or thickening fits here.
- .8 = This points to “other” conditions within that category — conditions that don’t have a specific name or listing (like skin tags).
So essentially, L91.8 means:
“A type of skin overgrowth that’s not covered elsewhere — such as a skin tag.”
Example– Clinical Use
Let’s say a dermatologist sees a patient who has five tiny skin tags on their neck and one on the eyelid. The patient isn’t bothered by them, but the doctor notes them during the skin exam.
Even though no treatment is planned yet, those skin tags become part of the visit documentation.
So, the doctor uses L91.8 to document the diagnosis.
This helps track the condition and justifies the time spent evaluating them. If they’re removed later, that diagnosis stays linked to the patient’s record.
When Should You Use ICD-10 Code L91.8?
Now, let’s talk about when to apply this code.
The good news is that it’s pretty flexible. You can use L91.8 in any situation where skin tags are documented or evaluated, regardless of treatment.
- A skin tag is noticedduring a regular checkup and recorded in the chart.
- A patient complains about irritation, bleeding, or discomfort from a skin tag.
- A provider monitors it over time, even without immediate removal.
- A patient requests cosmetic removal of one or more tags.
- A provider is evaluating multiple growths to rule out other conditions, and they turn out to be skin tags.
The important thing is this:
Dermatologists must document and code the skin tags accurately, even if it’s not the main reason for the visit.
A patient comes in for a diabetes follow-up. During the exam, they casually mention that a small growth under their arm keeps rubbing on clothing and feels irritated.
The provider examines it and confirms it’s a skin tag that has inflammation.
In this case, even though the main reason for the visit was diabetes, the skin tag was discussed, examined, and recorded.
So, you would add L91.8 to the coding list for the visit.
Similarly, if you remove the skin tags, you’ll also need to pair L91.8 with aCPT code like 11200 or 11201 to show the procedure.
Here’s a quick recap of why L91.8 is the best ICD-10 code for skin tags:
| Reason | Explanation |
| No specific code exists. | Skin tags aren’t assigned a unique ICD-10 code. |
| Best clinical match | They are hypertrophic growths of the skin. |
| Accepted universally | Used by dermatologists, GPs, and billing departments alike |
| Helps justify services | Supports billing, documentation, and future care planning |
Related Codes You Might Use (Only When Needed)
Sometimes, you’ll use supporting or related codes — but only if the situation calls for it.
Here are a few examples:
| Code | Description | When to Use |
| Z41.1 | Encounter for cosmetic surgery | If the patient wants removal purely for appearance |
| D23._ | Benign neoplasm of skin (site-specific) | If the skin tag is huge, raised, or suspicious |
| L98.9 | Disorder of skin, unspecified | If the provider documents a skin growth without identifying it as a tag |
| Z01.818 | Encounter for other preprocedural exam | If a skin tag is assessed before surgery or treatment |
For example, if a patient schedules skin tag removal for cosmetic reasons only, pair L91.8 with Z41.1 to clarify the intent. This helps with insurance clarity (and prevents denials).
Skin Tag Removal CPT Codes
ICD-10 codes describe diagnoses. But if the doctor removes the skin tag, you’ll also need a CPT code — these represent procedures.
For skin tag removal:
- 11200 – Removal of skin tags, up to 15 lesions
- 11201 – Each additional 10 lesions
Use these CPT codes with L91.8 to show what was done and why.
For example:
A provider removes 22 skin tags during one session. You would code:
- 11200 for the first 15
- 11201 for the remaining 7
- L91.8 as the ICD-10 diagnosis
Documentation Tips for Providers and Coders
Here’s how to make sure your documentation supports accurate skin tag coding and billing:
- Describe the location of the skin tags
- Mention any symptoms, like pain or irritation.
- Note if removal is cosmetic or medically necessary.
- Use supporting Z codes when needed.
- Avoid assuming it’s a benign tumor unless specified
- Avoid over-coding. Don’t use a neoplasm code.
Final Thoughts
Skin tags may be small, but they still require precise documentation and proper coding — especially when it comes to insurance and reimbursement.
Since there’s no dedicated ICD-10 code for skin tags, L91.8 – Other hypertrophic disorders of the skin is the most accurate and widely accepted option.
Whether skin tags are noted during a routine exam, evaluated due to irritation, or removed entirely, using the correct diagnosis and procedure codes ensures clean claims and reduces denials.
By understanding how and when to use L91.8, along with the appropriate CPT codes like 11200 and 11201, healthcare providers and coders can maintain accurate, compliant, and efficient records.
Need Help With Medical Coding or Billing?
At Swiftcare Billing, we specialize in helping healthcare providers receive faster payments— with fewer coding errors and denied claims.
Whether you’re managing skin tag removals or full dermatology workflows, our certified coders ensure your documentation is spot-on, every time.
- Accurate ICD-10 and CPT Coding
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Let us take the stress out of your billing — so you can focus on patient care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do skin tags have a specific ICD-10 code of their own?
No, skin tags do not have a unique ICD-10 code. Instead, they are most commonly coded using L91.8 – Other hypertrophic disorders of the skin, because they are benign skin overgrowths that don’t fall into more specific categories.
When should I use ICD-10 code L91.8 for skin tags?
Use L91.8 whenever a skin tag is:
- Noted during an exam
- Causing discomfort or irritation
- Being evaluated or monitored
- Scheduled for removal
Even if the skin tag is not the main reason for the visit, it should still be coded if discussed or examined.
Is L91.8 accepted for insurance and billing purposes?
Yes, L91.8 is widely accepted by insurance companies and billing departments for documenting skin tags. Just be sure your documentation supports the use of the code (e.g., describe location, symptoms, or need for removal).
What CPT code should be used if skin tags are removed?
If skin tags are removed, use these CPT codes for the procedure:
- 11200 – Removal of skin tags, up to and including 15 lesions
- 11201 – Each additional 10 lesions (used with 11200 if more than 15 are removed)
Always pair the CPT code with L91.8 as the diagnosis code.
Can I use D23._ for skin tags instead of L91.8?
Only in rare cases. D23._ is used for benign neoplasms of the skin, which implies a tumor-like growth. Unless the provider specifically describes the skin tag as a benign neoplasm, it’s safer and more accurate to use L91.8. Always follow provider documentation.