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ICD-10 Coding for Guttate Psoriasis(L40.4)

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

Also known as:

Eruptive PsoriasisRaindrop Psoriasis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Guttate Psoriasis

L40-L45Primary Range

Psoriasis and similar disorders

This range includes all psoriasis types, with L40.4 specifically for guttate psoriasis.

Bacterial and viral infectious agents

Used to identify infectious agents like Group A Streptococcus, which can trigger guttate psoriasis.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for guttate psoriasis

Essential facts and insights about Guttate Psoriasis

The ICD-10 code for guttate psoriasis is L40.4, used for cases with small, drop-like lesions triggered by infections.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for guttate psoriasis

Guttate Psoriasis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Erythematous papules with fine scaling and recent strep infection.

documentation Criteria

  • Document BSA involvement and confirm strep infection.

Applicable To

  • Acute guttate psoriasis

Excludes

  • Plaque psoriasis (L40.0)
  • Pustular psoriasis (L40.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Presence of 2-10 mm erythematous papules with micaceous scale
  • History of recent streptococcal infection

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with other psoriasis types if lesion description is vague.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the type of psoriasis to avoid using L40.9 (unspecified).

Ancillary Codes

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

Streptococcus, group A, as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B95.0
Use when Group A Streptococcus is confirmed as a trigger.

Differential Codes

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

Plaque Psoriasis

L40.0
Larger, well-demarcated plaques typically over 1 cm.

Pustular Psoriasis

L40.1
Presence of sterile pustules and systemic symptoms.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Guttate Psoriasis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L40.4.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential reimbursement issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Always confirm and document recent infections., Use rapid tests or cultures to verify strep.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential denial due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 specificity requirements., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on psoriasis type prevalence.

Mitigation Strategy

Document specific lesion characteristics and use L40.4.

Impact

Audits may target unspecified psoriasis codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of lesion type and triggers.

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

Documentation Templates for Guttate Psoriasis

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

Initial diagnosis of guttate psoriasis

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

  • Lesion description
  • BSA involvement
  • Strep infection confirmation

Example Documentation

Patient presents with 3-8 mm salmon-pink papules on trunk and limbs. BSA: 12%. Recent strep throat confirmed by positive rapid test.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has psoriasis.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has guttate psoriasis with 3-8 mm papules, BSA 12%, post-strep infection.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type of psoriasis, lesion characteristics, and trigger.

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

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