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ICD-10 Coding for Allergic Urticaria(L50.0)

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

Also known as:

HivesAllergic HivesAllergic Rash

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Allergic Urticaria

L50-L54Primary Range

Urticaria and erythema

This range includes codes for various types of urticaria, with L50.0 specifically for allergic urticaria.

Other and unspecified effects of external causes

This range includes codes for adverse effects and allergic reactions, which may be used as ancillary codes.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for allergic urticaria

Essential facts and insights about Allergic Urticaria

The ICD-10 code for allergic urticaria is L50.0, used for IgE-mediated reactions confirmed by testing.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for allergic urticaria

Allergic urticaria
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • IgE-mediated reaction confirmed by testing

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed allergen exposure history

Applicable To

  • IgE-mediated urticaria
  • Allergic hives

Excludes

  • Non-allergic urticaria
  • Contact dermatitis (L23)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive skin prick test
  • Elevated serum IgE levels
  • Temporal relationship to allergen exposure

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification with non-allergic urticaria
  • Incorrect use without IgE confirmation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes specific allergen and IgE confirmation.

Ancillary Codes

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

Adverse effect of antibiotics

T45.1X5A
Use when allergic urticaria is due to an adverse drug reaction.

Differential Codes

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

Allergic contact dermatitis

L23
Use L23 when the reaction is due to skin contact with an allergen, not systemic exposure.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Allergic Urticaria to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L50.0.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Always document specific allergen and test results

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data recording.

Mitigation Strategy

Use L50.0 for allergic urticaria with confirmed IgE mechanism.

Impact

Failure to document specific allergen exposure can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement checklist for allergen 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 Allergic Urticaria, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Allergic Urticaria

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

Allergy Clinic Visit

Specialty: Allergy and Immunology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Allergen exposure details
  • Test results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with urticarial plaques following peanut ingestion. Skin prick test positive for peanut. Serum IgE elevated.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has hives.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has urticarial plaques 15 minutes post-peanut ingestion, confirmed by skin test.
Explanation
The good example provides specific timing and test confirmation.

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

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