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ICD-10 Coding for Dermatillomania(F42.4)

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

Also known as:

Excoriation DisorderSkin Picking Disorder

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Dermatillomania

F40-F48Primary Range

Anxiety, dissociative, stress-related, somatoform and other nonpsychotic mental disorders

This range includes disorders characterized by anxiety and related behaviors, including dermatillomania.

Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

This range includes skin conditions that may be secondary to dermatillomania or require differentiation.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for dermatillomania

Essential facts and insights about Dermatillomania

The ICD-10 code for dermatillomania is F42.4, used for psychological skin picking.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for dermatillomania

Excoriation (skin-picking) disorder
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Recurrent skin picking causing significant distress

coding Criteria

  • Exclude dermatological conditions as primary cause

Applicable To

  • Recurrent skin picking resulting in skin lesions

Excludes

  • Skin picking due to dermatological conditions

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Recurrent skin picking causing lesions
  • Repeated attempts to decrease or stop skin picking
  • Significant distress or impairment in functioning

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as a dermatological condition
  • Inappropriate use of injury codes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly indicates psychological origin to avoid misclassification.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other specified disorders of skin and subcutaneous tissue

L98.8
Use for secondary skin damage requiring separate attention.

Differential Codes

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

Erythema intertrigo

L30.4
Use when excoriation is due to skin friction rather than psychological factors.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Dermatillomania to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F42.4.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis as a dermatological condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough psychological assessment, Document exclusion of dermatological causes

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Misrepresentation of patient data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use F42.4 for psychogenic cases and avoid injury codes unless trauma is involved.

Impact

Failure to document psychological origin can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure comprehensive documentation of psychological assessments and exclusion of dermatological causes.

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

Documentation Templates for Dermatillomania

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

Psychiatric Evaluation for Dermatillomania

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • History of skin picking
  • Failed cessation attempts
  • Functional impairment

Example Documentation

Patient reports daily skin picking for over 30 minutes, primarily on arms and face, resulting in multiple lesions. Attempts to stop have been unsuccessful, causing significant distress.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient picks skin occasionally.
Good Documentation Example
Patient engages in daily skin picking for 45 minutes, focusing on face and arms, with 6 failed attempts to stop.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on frequency, duration, and impact, which are essential for accurate coding.

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

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

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