ICD (Diagnosis) Codes Commonly Used for Lipedema

 
 
Coming October 1, 2027 (anticipated): The United States has accepted new ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes specific to Lipedema. Until they become effective, clinicians should continue using the currently available ICD-10-CM codes listed on this page.

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is a standardized system used by healthcare professionals to document diagnoses and report health information. The World Health Organization (WHO) periodically updates the ICD system, while the United States maintains its own clinical modification (ICD-10-CM) for use in healthcare documentation and billing.

In 2019, the WHO recognized Lipedema as a distinct disease entity and introduced a specific ICD-11 code for the condition. While the United States has not yet adopted ICD-11, an important milestone has been reached for ICD-10-CM.

New ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes specific to Lipedema have been accepted and, barring unforeseen changes, are expected to become effective on October 1, 2027. Until those codes take effect, clinicians should continue using the currently available ICD-10-CM codes listed below, as appropriate for the individual patient.

Below are the most frequently used ICD-10 codes at this time (reported by clinicians):

  • R60.9 - Swelling/edema

  • E88.2 - Lipomatosis, not elsewhere classified

  • E65 - Adiposity, localized

  • Other codes sometimes used include:

  • Q82.0 - Chronic hereditary edema/lymphedema

More information, including nuanced discussion of differences in use of codes across medical specialties, can be found here.

ICD-11 (Not yet implemented in the United States)

The 11th revision (ICD-11), adopted in 2019, includes for the first time a specific global ICD code for Lipedema:

ICD-11 codes came into effect on January 1, 2022. However, each country is responsible for adopting and implementing the new revision of the codes within its own health system. As of May 2022, 35 countries have begun using ICD-11 codes, not yet including the United States.

ICD-10 - Germany

In Germany, the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) has adopted several specific ICD-10 codes for Lipedema. These codes are not in use in the United States.

E88.21 Lipedema, stage 1

E88.22 Lipedema, stage 2

E88.23 Lipedema, stage 3

E88.24 Lipedema, other