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ICD-10 Coding for Chronic Eczema(L20.83, L20.84)

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

Also known as:

Chronic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Chronic Eczema

L20-L30Primary Range

Dermatitis and Eczema

This range includes various forms of dermatitis and eczema, including chronic eczema.

Poisoning by drugs, medicaments and biological substances

Used for coding drug-induced eczema, which requires sequencing before dermatitis codes.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
L20.83Chronic EczemaUse for cases of chronic eczema with lichenification lasting more than 6 months.
  • Chronic lichenification
  • >6 month duration
L20.84Intrinsic EczemaUse when intrinsic factors are the primary cause of eczema.
  • Elevated IgE >100 IU/mL
  • Positive radioallergosorbent test

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 eczema

Essential facts and insights about Chronic Eczema

The ICD-10 code for chronic eczema is L20.83, used for cases with chronic lichenification lasting more than 6 months.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for chronic eczema

Chronic Eczema
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of chronic lichenification and duration over 6 months.

Applicable To

  • Chronic lichenification

Excludes

  • Acute flares without skin thickening

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Chronic lichenification
  • >6 month duration

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with acute eczema

Coding Notes

  • Ensure chronicity is documented to differentiate from acute forms.

Ancillary Codes

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

Staphylococcus aureus infection

B95.6
Use if there is a secondary infection present.

Long-term (current) use of steroids

Z79.2
Use if the patient is on long-term steroid therapy.

Differential Codes

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

Acute Eczema

L20.82
Use for acute flares without chronic skin thickening.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

L23.9
Use when eczema is due to external allergens.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chronic Eczema to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L20.83.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inadequate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Review documentation for specificity, Educate staff on chronic vs acute coding

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and statistics.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies chronicity and lichenification.

Impact

Lack of specific chronicity documentation can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all records specify duration and skin changes.

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

Documentation Templates for Chronic Eczema

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

Chronic Eczema in Dermatology

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

  • Subjective symptoms
  • Objective findings
  • Assessment
  • Plan

Example Documentation

Subjective: 'Pruritus VAS 8/10 despite QD clobetasol ×6 weeks'. Objective: '30% BSA involvement (EASI 22)'. Assessment: 'Chronic atopic dermatitis with secondary prurigo nodularis (L20.83, L28.1)'. Plan: 'Dupilumab 600mg loading dose'.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has eczema.
Good Documentation Example
Chronic atopic dermatitis (5+ years) with lichenified plaques in antecubital/popliteal fossae, IgE 450 IU/mL, failed tacrolimus ointment.
Explanation
The good example specifies chronicity, location, and treatment history, which are essential for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Chronic Eczema? Ask your questions below.

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