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ICD-10 Coding for Drug Rash(L27.0, L27.1)

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

Also known as:

Drug EruptionMedication-Induced Rash

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Drug Rash

L27Primary Range

Dermatitis due to substances taken internally

Primary range for coding drug-induced rashes, distinguishing between generalized and localized eruptions.

Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of drugs, medicaments and biological substances

Used as ancillary codes to specify the causative drug of the rash.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
L27.0Generalized skin eruption due to drugs and medicamentsUse when the rash is generalized and directly linked to drug intake.
  • Rash involving >50% body surface area
  • Temporal relationship with drug intake
L27.1Localized skin eruption due to drugs and medicamentsUse when the rash is localized and directly linked to drug intake.
  • Rash confined to a specific region
  • Temporal relationship with drug intake

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 drug rash

Essential facts and insights about Drug Rash

The ICD-10 code for a generalized drug rash is L27.0, while a localized drug rash is coded as L27.1. Both require an additional code from T36-T50 to specify the causative drug.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for drug rash

Generalized skin eruption due to drugs and medicaments
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Rash covers more than 50% of the body surface area.

Applicable To

  • Generalized drug rash

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Rash involving >50% body surface area
  • Temporal relationship with drug intake

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if not properly documented as generalized.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'generalized' and links to drug intake.

Ancillary Codes

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

Adverse effect of penicillins

T36.0x5A
Use to specify penicillin as the causative drug.

Adverse effect of ACE inhibitors

T46.4x5A
Use to specify ACE inhibitor as the causative drug.

Differential Codes

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

Contact urticaria

L50.6
Rash from external contact rather than internal ingestion.

Photoallergic reaction

L56.1
Rash due to UV interaction rather than drug ingestion.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Drug Rash to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L27.0.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate patient records., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Loss of reimbursement opportunities.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates to ensure all relevant details are captured., Regular training on documentation standards.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to incorrect coding., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation explicitly links the rash to a specific drug.

Impact

Incorrect sequencing of L27.x and T36-T50 codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular audits and coder training.

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

Documentation Templates for Drug Rash

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

Generalized Drug Rash

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

  • Drug name and dose
  • Onset and duration of rash
  • Extent and distribution of rash
  • Associated symptoms

Example Documentation

Patient developed generalized erythematous macules on trunk/extremities 14 days after starting carbamazepine 200mg BID. No mucosal involvement. Labs: eosinophilia (12%), ALT 150 U/L.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Rash possibly related to medication.
Good Documentation Example
Generalized pruritic rash developing 10 days after initiating carbamazepine 200mg BID.
Explanation
The good example specifies the drug, timing, and rash characteristics.

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

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