L40.0 – Psoriasis vulgaris

Learn about the L40.0 ICD-10-CM code for psoriasis vulgaris through this guide.

By Matt Olivares on Jul 16, 2025.

Fact Checked by Karina Jimenea.

Use Code

L40.0 diagnosis code: Psoriasis vulgaris

L40.0 is a billable ICD-10-CM code for healthcare diagnosis reimbursement of psoriasis vulgaris.
The ICD-10-CM version L40.0 is used to diagnose psoriasis vulgaris classified in America. The code for the corresponding diagnosis may differ internationally.

It's under the category “Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.” More specifically, it's under “Papulosquamous disorders.”
Practitioners can use this code when the patient has psoriasis vulgaris, also called plaque psoriasis, the most common type of psoriasis.

Is L40.0 billable?

Yes, L40.0 is billable for insurance reimbursement purposes.

Clinical information

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition and autoimmune disorder wherein rashes, scaly, itchy patches that are red or silver in color appear in areas like elbows, knees, and lower back.
Psoriasis vulgaris (plaque psoriasis) is the most common form of psoriasis.
What causes psoriasis is still unknown, but it's hereditary and can be triggered by smoking, alcohol, stress, medicine, injury, and particular food.
There are different types of psoriasis; what differentiates them are the symptoms' appearance and location.
The symptoms of psoriasis vulgaris, the most common type, are patches of red, dry, itchy, raised skin with silvery scales on the arms, legs, elbows, knees, trunk, scalp, and genitals. Aside from that, the patient's nails may also be pitted, thick, and separated from the nail beds. It's important to note that the color of the patches and scales may differ depending on the patient's skin color.
Though itchiness is the most common symptom, other symptoms may be stinging or burning in the patchy areas.
Very cold or dry weather, cuts, scrapes, bug bites, and severe sunburns lead to increased risk of psoriasis.
Aside from asking the patient's medical history, the practitioner may also conduct a physical examination and skin biopsy.
Patients treated for psoriasis vulgaris likely undergo or take the following treatments: phototherapy, topicals like steroid cream, vitamin D, cream, retinoids, moisturizing creams, prescription injections, and/or anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medicines.

Synonyms include

Plaque psoriasis
Chronic small plaque psoriasis
Chronic large plaque psoriasis
Actively extending plaque psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis
Psoriatic arthritis
Et plantaris guttate psoriasis
Severe plaque psoriasis

Other ICD-10 codes commonly used for psoriasis

L40.1: Generalized pustular psoriasis
L40.2: Acrodermatitis continua
L40.3: Pustulosis palmaris et plataris
L40.4: Guttate psoriasis
L40.5: Arthropathic psoriasis
L40.8: Other psoriasis
L40.9: Psoriasis, unspecified

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