Lipedema ICD-10 Codes

"R60.9 Edema, unspecified" is the ICD-10-CM code frequently used for lipedema in the United States. Additional codes may be used by specialists as explained below. Codes used in other countries may be different. See Coding on the Lipedema Foundation's About Lipedema page for information on ICD-11 and ICD-10 - Germany

Coming October 1, 2027: The United States has accepted new ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes specific to Lipedema but the details have not yet been published by CMS. See https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coding-billing/icd-10-codes. Karen Herbst PhD, MD, submitted modifications to the ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee Meeting, March 17-18, 2026 (see References).

Obesity Specialist

In general, I use

• R60.9 for lipedema

• E66.9 for obesity, though I am changing to E66.5 for Localized adiposity

I also use other codes

• M79.606 Pain in lower limb

• M79.603 Pain in upper limb

• R58 Easy bruising

Vein Specialist

We use ICD codes E65.0, E88.2, Q82.0, R60.9 for our lipedema diagnosis. We use different ones because different insurers require /recognized different codes.

We use primarily CPT 15877 -9 and 38999 although sometimes we use other CPT codes. 

Surgeon 

These are the diagnoses that may apply to lipedema patients

•        (R60.9) Edema, unspecified

•        (I89.0) Lymphedema, not elsewhere classified

•        (R20.8) Other disturbances of skin sensation

•        (M79.601) Pain in right arm

•        (M79.604) Pain in right leg

•        (M79.605) Pain in left leg

•        (M79.602) Pain in left arm

•        (E66.8) Other obesity

•        (E88.2) Lipomatosis, not elsewhere classified

•        (M54.5) Low back pain

•        (G47.01) Insomnia due to medical condition

•        (M40.50) Lordosis, unspecified, site unspecified

•        (R58) Hemorrhage, not elsewhere classified

•        (R26.2) Difficulty in walking, not elsewhere classified

•        (I87.2) Venous insufficiency (chronic) (peripheral)

•        (M17.9) Osteoarthritis of knee, unspecified

•        (E65) Localized adiposity

References:

• [Herbst 2019] Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Diseases https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK552156/

  • Table 4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK552156/table/obesity_subcut_adip.T.icd10_codes_for_cl/

• Lipedema Foundation's About Lipedema page under Coding includes ICD-11 and ICD-10 - Germany: https://www.lipedema.org/about-lipedema

• Liposuction for Lipedema Reimbursement website https://12uh.com/lipoforlipedemareimbursement/

  • https://12uh.com/lipoforlipedemareimbursement/icd-10-codes-for-liposuction-for-lipedema/

• Lipedema Project last row of this table: https://lipedemaproject.org/lipedema-differential-diagnosis/

• Cover Lipedema: https://coverlipedema.com/2021/02/15/lipedema-billing-basics/

• Presentation to the CDC on new ICD-10-CM codes for lipedema and lipolymphedema from September 2020 starts on page 55: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/icd/topic-packet-september-8-9.2020.pdf

• Vein Directory magazine article on the proposed code ICD-10-CM changes: https://www.veindirectory.org/magazine/article/industry-updates/lipedema-and-lipolymphedema-new-icd-10-cm-codes-proposed-to-enhance-diagnosis-treatment-and-research

• Lipedema and lipolymphedema page 63 in ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee Meeting, March 17-18, 2026, ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Agenda: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/icd/topic-packet-march-2026.pdf