ICD-10 Coding for Alopecia Areata(L63.9, L63.0, L63.2)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Alopecia Areata. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Alopecia Areata
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| L63.9 | Alopecia areata, unspecified | Use when alopecia areata is diagnosed but specific pattern is not documented. |
|
| L63.0 | Alopecia totalis | Use when there is complete loss of scalp hair. |
|
| L63.2 | Alopecia areata ophiasis | Use for band-like hair loss pattern along the scalp. |
|
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 alopecia areata
Essential facts and insights about Alopecia Areata
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for alopecia areata
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of patchy hair loss with dermoscopic findings.
Applicable To
- Patchy alopecia areata
Excludes
- Scarring alopecia (L66.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Dermoscopy showing yellow dots
- Exclamation mark hairs
Code-Specific Risks
- Overuse of unspecified code when specific patterns are documented.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies alopecia areata to avoid unspecified coding.
L63.0 - Alopecia totalis
Use when there is complete loss of scalp hair.
Applicable To
- Complete scalp hair loss
Excludes
- Alopecia universalis (L63.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Complete loss of scalp hair
- SALT score of 100%
Coding Notes
Document complete scalp hair loss to justify totalis coding.
L63.2 - Alopecia areata ophiasis
Use for band-like hair loss pattern along the scalp.
Applicable To
- Band-like hair loss pattern
Excludes
- Diffuse alopecia areata (L63.8)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Band-like hair loss at temporal/occipital scalp
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies ophiasis pattern.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Counseling for hair loss
Z71.3Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Alopecia Areata to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L63.9.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific terms like 'patchy', 'band-like'., Document dermoscopic findings.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Increases risk of audit for unspecified coding., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Document specific pattern and use appropriate code like L63.2.
Impact
Frequent use of L63.9 without specific documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation includes specific patterns and findings.
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 Alopecia Areata, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Alopecia Areata
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Alopecia Areata. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Patchy alopecia areata diagnosis
Specialty: DermatologyRequired Elements
- Description of hair loss pattern
- Dermoscopy findings
- SALT score
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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