ICD-10 Coding for Allergic Contact Dermatitis(L23.0, L23.9)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Allergic Contact Dermatitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Allergic Contact Dermatitis
L23Primary Range
Allergic contact dermatitis
This range includes all specific codes for allergic contact dermatitis, requiring identification of the causative agent.
Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of drugs, medicaments and biological substances
Used in conjunction with L23 codes to specify drug or chemical causation.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| L23.0 | Allergic contact dermatitis due to metals | Use when a patient has a confirmed allergic reaction to metals, supported by patch testing. |
|
| L23.9 | Allergic contact dermatitis, unspecified cause | Use when the cause of allergic contact dermatitis is unknown or not specified. |
|
Clinical Decision Support
Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for allergic contact dermatitis
Essential facts and insights about Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for allergic contact dermatitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed allergic reaction to metal via patch test
Applicable To
- Nickel allergy
- Metal allergy
Excludes
- Irritant contact dermatitis due to metals (L24.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive patch test for metal
- Documented exposure to metal
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification with irritant dermatitis
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the metal causing the reaction.
L23.9 - Allergic contact dermatitis, unspecified cause
Use when the cause of allergic contact dermatitis is unknown or not specified.
Excludes
- Irritant contact dermatitis, unspecified cause (L24.9)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documentation of allergic dermatitis with unknown cause
- Patch testing incomplete or inconclusive
Coding Notes
Use only when specific allergen is not identified.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Allergy status to metals
Z91.012Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Allergic Contact Dermatitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L23.0.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials or reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough history taking and testing, Use structured templates for documentation
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines requiring specificity., Data Quality: Reduces the quality of data for epidemiological studies.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough documentation of testing efforts and results.
Impact
Audits may target lack of specific allergen documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all allergens are documented with test results.
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 Allergic Contact Dermatitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Allergic Contact Dermatitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Dermatology Clinic Visit
Specialty: DermatologyRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Exposure history
- Patch test results
- Clinical findings
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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