L04
Non-Billable

Acute lymphadenitis

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Acute lymphadenitis?

ICD-10-CM L04 is the diagnosis code for Acute lymphadenitis. This code falls under the section "Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue" within Chapter 12 — Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

⛔ Excludes1

Coding Guidelines for L04

⛔ Type 1 Excludes (Never code together)

The following conditions should never be coded at the same time as L04. They are mutually exclusive:

  • chronic or subacute lymphadenitis, except mesenteric (I88.1)
  • enlarged lymph nodes (R59.-)
  • human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease resulting in generalized lymphadenopathy (B20)
  • lymphadenitis NOS (I88.9)
  • nonspecific mesenteric lymphadenitis (I88.0)

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where L04 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Sub-Codes 6 entries
L04.0Acute lymphadenitis of face, head and neckBillableL04.1Acute lymphadenitis of trunkBillableL04.2Acute lymphadenitis of upper limbBillableL04.3Acute lymphadenitis of lower limbBillableL04.8Acute lymphadenitis of other sitesBillableL04.9Acute lymphadenitis, unspecifiedBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is L04 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, L04 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does L04 mean?

L04 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Acute lymphadenitis". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What section is L04 in?

L04 is located in Section L00-L08 — "Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue" within Chapter 12 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of L04?

L04 has 6 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: L04.0, L04.1, L04.2, L04.3, L04.8 and more.

When should I use L04?

Use L04 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Acute lymphadenitis" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Acute lymphadenitis?

The ICD-10-CM code for Acute lymphadenitis is L04.

Can L04 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, L04 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is L04 in?

L04 is in Chapter 12 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What conditions are excluded from L04?

Type 1 Excludes for L04 include: chronic or subacute lymphadenitis, except mesenteric (I88.1); enlarged lymph nodes (R59.-); human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease resulting in generalized lymphadenopathy (B20) and more.

Is L04 valid for 2026?

Yes, L04 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousL03.91Acute lymphangitis, unspecifiedNext →L04.0Acute lymphadenitis of face, head and neck
Code Details
L04
Acute lymphadenitis
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
12 — Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99)
L00-L08 — Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
2026 ICD-10-CM