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ICD-10 Coding for Folliculitis Barbae(L73.8)

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

Also known as:

Barber's ItchSycosis Barbae

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Folliculitis Barbae

L73-L73.9Primary Range

Other follicular disorders

This range includes various follicular disorders, including folliculitis barbae.

Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

This range includes bacterial infections that could be relevant if folliculitis barbae is due to bacterial causes like Staphylococcus aureus.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for folliculitis barbae

Essential facts and insights about Folliculitis Barbae

The ICD-10 code for folliculitis barbae is L73.8, which covers other specified follicular disorders.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for folliculitis barbae

Other specified follicular disorders
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of pustules and positive culture for S. aureus

coding Criteria

  • Use L73.8 for bacterial folliculitis, not for pseudofolliculitis

Applicable To

  • Folliculitis Barbae

Excludes

  • Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (L73.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Presence of pustules with purulent drainage
  • Positive bacterial culture for Staphylococcus aureus

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification with pseudofolliculitis barbae

Coding Notes

  • Ensure to differentiate between bacterial and mechanical causes of follicular inflammation.

Ancillary Codes

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

Staphylococcus aureus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B95.61
Use to specify the bacterial cause of folliculitis barbae.

Differential Codes

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

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae

L73.1
Characterized by ingrown hairs and no bacterial infection.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Folliculitis Barbae to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L73.8.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure culture results are documented in the patient's chart., Educate staff on the importance of complete documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims or incorrect reimbursement., Compliance: Misclassification can result in non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of clinical data and patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify the presence of bacterial infection through culture results.

Impact

Risk of audits due to misclassification of folliculitis barbae and pseudofolliculitis.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular training on differentiating and coding these conditions.

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

Documentation Templates for Folliculitis Barbae

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

Diagnosis of folliculitis barbae

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

  • Clinical presentation of pustules
  • Bacterial culture results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with pustules in the beard area. Culture positive for Staphylococcus aureus. Initiated treatment with antibiotics.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Razor bumps in beard area.
Good Documentation Example
2 cm erythematous pustules with S. aureus confirmed via culture; no ingrown hairs observed.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and culture results, supporting accurate coding.

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

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