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ICD-10 Coding for Allergic Rash(L23.9, L23.6, L27.0)

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

Also known as:

Allergic DermatitisContact Dermatitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Allergic Rash

L23-L25Primary Range

Contact Dermatitis and Other Eczema

This range includes codes for allergic contact dermatitis, which is the primary condition being documented.

Dermatitis due to Substances Taken Internally

This range is relevant for drug-induced allergic rashes.

Rash and Other Nonspecific Skin Eruption

Used when the etiology of the rash is unconfirmed.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
L23.9Allergic contact dermatitis, unspecified causeUse when the specific allergen causing the dermatitis is not identified.
  • Erythematous vesicular rash with pruritus
  • History of exposure to unknown allergen
L23.6Allergic contact dermatitis due to plantsUse when the dermatitis is due to contact with plants.
  • Linear vesicular rash on extremities
  • Patient reports contact with plants like poison ivy
L27.0Generalized skin eruption due to drugs and medicaments taken internallyUse when a generalized rash is caused by an internal medication.
  • Diffuse maculopapular rash developing after drug initiation

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 rash

Essential facts and insights about Allergic Rash

The ICD-10 code for an unspecified allergic rash is L23.9. For specific causes like plants, use L23.6.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for allergic rash

Allergic contact dermatitis, unspecified cause
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of vesicular rash with pruritus and history of allergen exposure.

Applicable To

  • Allergic contact dermatitis NOS

Excludes

  • Irritant contact dermatitis (L24.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Erythematous vesicular rash with pruritus
  • History of exposure to unknown allergen

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if allergen is later identified.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports the allergic nature of the rash.

Ancillary Codes

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

Contact with and (suspected) exposure to environmental pollution and other contaminants

Z77.22
Use when exposure to a known allergen is documented.

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

T36-T50
Use to specify the drug causing the reaction.

Differential Codes

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

Irritant contact dermatitis, unspecified cause

L24.9
Use L24.9 for irritant rather than allergic reactions.

Irritant contact dermatitis due to plants

L24.6
Use L24.6 for non-allergic reactions to plants.

Localized skin eruption due to drugs and medicaments taken internally

L27.1
Use L27.1 for localized rather than generalized eruptions.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Allergic Rash to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L23.9.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates, Verify allergen documentation before coding

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on allergy prevalence.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific L23.x code with Z code for the allergen.

Impact

Failure to document drug causality can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure clear documentation of drug and timing of rash.

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

Documentation Templates for Allergic Rash

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

Patient with allergic rash due to plant exposure

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

  • Rash description
  • Exposure history
  • Allergen identification

Example Documentation

Patient presents with linear vesicular rash on arms after gardening. Reports contact with poison ivy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Rash on arms.
Good Documentation Example
Linear vesicular rash on arms after contact with poison ivy.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the rash and its cause.

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

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