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ICD-10 Coding for Allergic Dermatitis(L23.0, L23.3)

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

Also known as:

Allergic Contact DermatitisContact Allergy

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Allergic Dermatitis

L23Primary Range

Allergic contact dermatitis

This range includes codes for allergic contact dermatitis due to various allergens.

Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of drugs, medicaments and biological substances

Used for coding adverse effects of drugs that cause allergic dermatitis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
L23.0Allergic contact dermatitis due to metalsUse when dermatitis is confirmed to be due to metal exposure.
  • Positive patch test to metal allergens
L23.3Allergic contact dermatitis due to drugs in contact with skinUse when dermatitis is due to topical drug application.
  • Positive patch test to drug components

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 dermatitis

Essential facts and insights about Allergic Dermatitis

The ICD-10 code for allergic dermatitis is L23.x, where 'x' specifies the allergen type.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for allergic dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis due to metals
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Positive patch test for metal

Applicable To

  • Nickel allergy

Excludes

  • Irritant contact dermatitis due to metals (L24.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive patch test to metal allergens

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if allergen is not confirmed

Coding Notes

  • Ensure allergen is specified in documentation.

Ancillary Codes

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

Personal history of other specified conditions

Z87.898
Use for patients with a history of allergies.

Adverse effect of topical glucocorticoids

T49.5X5A
Use for adverse effects of topical steroids.

Differential Codes

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

Irritant contact dermatitis due to metals

L24.0
Irritant dermatitis occurs immediately after exposure without immune response.

Irritant contact dermatitis due to drugs

L24.3
Irritant dermatitis lacks immune response.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Allergic 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 misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Thorough patient history, Use of standardized documentation templates

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases specificity of health data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific L23.x code matching the allergen.

Impact

Lack of specific allergen documentation can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement thorough documentation practices.

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 Dermatitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Allergic Dermatitis

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

Dermatitis due to occupational exposure

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

  • Allergen exposure history
  • Patch test results
  • Clinical findings

Example Documentation

Patient presents with hand dermatitis after latex glove use. Patch test positive for thiuram mix.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Rash on hands.
Good Documentation Example
Pruritic erythematous plaques on dorsal hands, positive nickel patch test, occupational exposure to metal tools.
Explanation
The good example specifies the allergen and confirms it with test results.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Allergic Dermatitis? Ask your questions below.

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