Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Androgenetic Alopecia(L64.9, L64.0)

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

Also known as:

Male-pattern baldnessFemale-pattern hair loss

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Androgenetic Alopecia

L64-L64.9Primary Range

Androgenetic alopecia

This range covers all forms of androgenetic alopecia, including unspecified and drug-induced types.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
L64.9Unspecified androgenetic alopeciaUse when androgenetic alopecia is diagnosed without specific cause or drug involvement.
  • Patterned hair loss with miniaturization of hair follicles
  • Trichoscopy showing >20% vellus hairs
L64.0Drug-induced androgenetic alopeciaUse when hair loss is directly linked to medication use.
  • Temporal relationship between drug use and hair loss onset
  • Exclusion of other alopecia types

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 androgenetic alopecia

Essential facts and insights about Androgenetic Alopecia

The ICD-10 code for unspecified androgenetic alopecia is L64.9, and for drug-induced, it is L64.0.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for androgenetic alopecia

Unspecified androgenetic alopecia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patterned hair loss with miniaturization

documentation Criteria

  • Exclusion of drug-induced causes

Applicable To

  • Male-pattern baldness
  • Female-pattern hair loss

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Patterned hair loss with miniaturization of hair follicles
  • Trichoscopy showing >20% vellus hairs

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if drug-induced or another alopecia type is present.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies pattern and excludes other causes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Adverse effect of steroids

T38.4X5A
Use with L64.0 to specify the drug causing hair loss.

Differential Codes

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

Alopecia areata

L63.9
Sudden patchy hair loss with exclamation mark hairs.

Telogen effluvium

L65.0
Diffuse hair shedding without patterned loss.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Androgenetic Alopecia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L64.9.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis of alopecia type., Regulatory: Potential audit failure., Financial: Denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terminology for hair loss patterns., Document all diagnostic tests and results.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect reimbursement due to misclassification., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use L64.0 with the appropriate drug code.

Impact

Failure to use L64.0 with appropriate drug code.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on proper documentation and coding requirements.

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

Documentation Templates for Androgenetic Alopecia

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

Male patient with frontal-temporal recession

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Trichoscopy findings
  • SALT score
  • Family history

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: 34M reports gradual frontal hair loss over 2 years. Family history: father with Norwood VII. **Objective**: SALT score: 35%, Trichoscopy: Hair shaft heterogeneity, 25% vellus hairs, yellow dots. **Assessment**: Androgenic alopecia, Hamilton-Norwood III (L64.9) **Plan**: Minoxidil 5% BID; monitor for hypertrichosis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Hair loss noted. Start minoxidil.
Good Documentation Example
Diffuse vertex thinning (Norwood IV) with follicular miniaturization on trichoscopy. No evidence of scarring or inflammation. DHT elevated at 55 ng/dL.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and excludes other causes.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Androgenetic Alopecia? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more