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Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are harmless, small, soft skin growths that often appear on the neck, eyelids, underarms, groin, and other body folds. While they’re usually benign, proper documentation and coding are essential for accurate medical billing & coding, reimbursement, and patient records.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What skin tags are and why ICD-10 coding matters
• The correct ICD-10 codes used for skin tags and their removal
• Documentation and billing tips for coders and providers
• Common coding mistakes to avoid

What Are Skin Tags (Acrochordons)?

Skin tags are noncancerous skin growths that develop due to friction, hormonal changes, or metabolic conditions such as diabetes and obesity. They are typically flesh-colored or slightly darker and are connected to the skin by a thin stalk.

Although harmless, many patients choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons or due to irritation caused by clothing or jewelry.

Common characteristics include:

• Soft, small, and painless growths
• Frequently found on neck, armpits, under breasts, or eyelids
• More common in adults, especially those who are overweight or diabetic

Why ICD-10 Coding Matters for Skin Tags

Accurate ICD-10 coding is crucial because:

• It ensures correct documentation in patient medical records
• It supports medical necessity for procedures
• It helps avoid insurance denials for “cosmetic-only” removals
• It contributes to data accuracy in healthcare analytics

ICD-10 Codes for Skin Tags

There isn’t a specific, exclusive ICD-10 code labeled “skin tag.” Instead, coders use a few related codes depending on clinical context and documentation.

Below are the most relevant ICD-10 codes used for skin tags and related conditions:

Code	Description	When to Use
L91.8	Other hypertrophic disorders of the skin	Commonly used for benign overgrowths like skin tags
L91.9	Hypertrophic disorder of skin, unspecified	When documentation lacks specific details
R22.9	Localized swelling, mass, and lump, unspecified	For nonspecific descriptions such as “skin lump” or “small mass”
D23.9	Other benign neoplasm of skin, unspecified	When the provider describes a benign lesion without specific diagnosis
Z48.00–Z48.02	Encounter for removal of sutures or post-surgical wound care	Used postoperatively after skin tag removal
Z41.1	Encounter for cosmetic surgery	Used if the skin tag removal is purely cosmetic

Primary Choice:
In most cases, L91.8 — Other Hypertrophic Disorders of the Skin is the best ICD-10 code for skin tags (acrochordons).

Coding Skin Tag Removal Procedures

When a skin tag is removed, the coder must document:

1. Diagnosis code – Skin tag (L91.8 or appropriate variant)
2. Procedure code (CPT/HCPCS) – For excision or destruction
3. Number and site of lesions – e.g., “five skin tags removed from neck”
4. Reason for removal – Cosmetic, irritation, bleeding, etc.
5. Follow-up visit (Z-code) – For post-removal care

Example:

Patient presents with multiple irritated skin tags under both arms. Physician performs removal via cryotherapy.

ICD-10: L91.8
CPT: 11200 (Removal of skin tags, up to 15 lesions)

When to Use a Different ICD-10 Code

Sometimes, documentation may describe the lesion differently or show comorbid conditions. You may need to use other codes, such as:

• D22.x — If a mole or pigmented lesion is suspected
• L72.0 — For epidermal cysts mistaken for tags
• E11.9 — Diabetes mellitus (if skin tags are related to insulin resistance)
• L83 — Acanthosis nigricans, a related condition often seen in obese patients

Always use the most specific code available based on the clinical note.

Common Documentation Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors when coding for skin tags:

1. Lack of specificity — “Skin lesion” is too vague
2. Cosmetic assumption — Not clarifying medical necessity
3. Omitting site or number — Especially when multiple tags are treated
4. Incorrect procedural pairing — Using non-matching CPT and ICD-10 codes
5. Failure to link symptoms — Such as irritation or bleeding

Example Coding Scenarios

Scenario	Diagnosis Description	Suggested ICD-10 Code(s)
Single irritated tag on eyelid	“Painful, inflamed acrochordon on right upper eyelid”	L91.8 + R22.9
Multiple tags on neck	“Several benign skin tags on anterior neck, causing friction”	L91.8
Removal for cosmetic reason	“Patient requests removal of neck skin tags for cosmetic appearance”	L91.8 + Z41.1
Post-operative follow-up	“Return visit after cryotherapy for skin tag removal”	Z48.02

Medical Necessity and Insurance Coverage

Most insurance providers do not cover cosmetic procedures, including skin tag removal for appearance only.
However, if the removal is medically necessary — due to irritation, bleeding, or infection — documentation must clearly state the reason.

Tip:
Always include the following in the chart note:

• “Tag causing irritation or bleeding”
• “Interfering with shaving or vision”
• “Bleeding due to friction”

This ensures proper claim approval.

Best Practices for Coders and Billers

• Verify the provider’s documentation before assigning a code
• Always specify site and laterality when available
• Include procedure and diagnosis linkage in claims
• Stay updated with annual ICD-10-CM revisions
• Use Z-codes appropriately for follow-ups and aftercare

Conclusion

While skin tags are benign and often harmless, accurate ICD-10 coding is essential for correct billing and record-keeping.
The most commonly used code is L91.8 (Other hypertrophic disorders of the skin), but coders should always review documentation to determine the most accurate diagnosis.

Proper use of ICD-10 codes helps avoid claim rejections, ensures compliance, and maintains data integrity — whether the procedure is cosmetic or medically necessary.