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ICD-10 Coding for Acanthosis Nigricans(L83)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acanthosis Nigricans. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

ANDark Skin PatchesVelvety Skin

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Acanthosis Nigricans

L80-L99Primary Range

Other disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

This range includes acanthosis nigricans and other skin conditions.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for acanthosis nigricans

Essential facts and insights about Acanthosis Nigricans

The ICD-10 code for acanthosis nigricans is L83, used when it is the primary focus of care.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for acanthosis nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of velvety hyperpigmentation in typical areas

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of associated conditions like diabetes or obesity

Applicable To

  • Benign acanthosis nigricans
  • Idiopathic acanthosis nigricans

Excludes

  • Malignant acanthosis nigricans

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Velvety hyperpigmentation in intertriginous areas
  • Associated with insulin resistance or obesity

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using L83 without linking to underlying conditions when present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation explicitly links acanthosis nigricans to any underlying conditions.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Obesity, unspecified

E66.9
Use when acanthosis nigricans is associated with obesity.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with other skin complications

E11.628
Use when acanthosis nigricans is due to diabetes.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acanthosis Nigricans to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L83.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient's health status., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Review documentation for underlying conditions., Ensure proper sequencing of codes.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always code the underlying condition first, followed by L83.

Impact

Incorrect sequencing of codes can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on proper code sequencing and documentation.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Acanthosis Nigricans, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Acanthosis Nigricans

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acanthosis Nigricans. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Endocrinology Progress Note

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Location of skin changes
  • Texture description
  • Associated conditions
  • Diagnostic methods

Example Documentation

Skin: Symmetrical AN present in bilateral axillae (Grade 3 Burke scale). Association: AN directly related to insulin resistance evidenced by fasting insulin: 34 μU/mL.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Dark skin on neck.
Good Documentation Example
Symmetrical velvety hyperpigmentation in axillary folds measuring 4x6cm, biopsy-confirmed papillomatosis, associated with HbA1c 7.2%.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the condition and its association with diabetes.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Acanthosis Nigricans? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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