ICD-10 Coding for Chronic Dermatitis(L20.83, L23.3)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Chronic Dermatitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Chronic Dermatitis
L20-L30Primary Range
Dermatitis and Eczema
This range covers various forms of dermatitis and eczema, including atopic, contact, and unspecified types.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| L20.83 | Infantile eczema | Use for chronic atopic dermatitis in infants with characteristic lesions. |
|
| L23.3 | Allergic contact dermatitis due to drugs | Use when allergic reaction to a drug is confirmed. |
|
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 chronic dermatitis
Essential facts and insights about Chronic Dermatitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for chronic dermatitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Infant with chronic pruritic rash and family history of atopy
Applicable To
- Chronic atopic dermatitis in infants
Excludes
- Seborrheic dermatitis (L21.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Presence of erythematous plaques
- Family history of atopy
- EASI score >7.1
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if age is not specified
Coding Notes
- Ensure age and specific lesion type are documented.
L23.3 - Allergic contact dermatitis due to drugs
Use when allergic reaction to a drug is confirmed.
Applicable To
- Allergic reaction to topical medications
Excludes
- Irritant contact dermatitis due to drugs (L24.4)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive patch test
- History of drug exposure
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies allergic nature.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chronic Dermatitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L20.83.
Impact
Clinical: Inadequate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential claim denials
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific descriptors, Include duration and response to treatment
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential for lower reimbursement due to lack of specificity, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines for specificity, Data Quality: Decreased data quality for clinical research and reporting
Mitigation Strategy
Document specific characteristics and attempt to classify under a more specific code.
Impact
Risk of audits due to non-specific coding of dermatitis.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure detailed documentation and use of specific codes.
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 Chronic Dermatitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Chronic Dermatitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Chronic Dermatitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chronic Atopic Dermatitis in Infants
Specialty: DermatologyRequired Elements
- Erythematous plaques
- Family history
- EASI score
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
Need help with ICD-10 coding for Chronic Dermatitis? Ask your questions below.