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ICD-10 Coding for Hirsutism(L68.0, E28.2)

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

Also known as:

Excessive hair growthMale-pattern hair growth

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hirsutism

L68-L68.9Primary Range

Hypertrichosis

This range includes codes for hirsutism and related conditions.

Ovarian dysfunction

Includes codes for conditions like PCOS that can cause hirsutism.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
L68.0HirsutismUse when hirsutism is present without a confirmed underlying condition.
  • Ferriman-Gallwey score ≥8
  • Documented male-pattern hair growth
E28.2Polycystic ovarian syndromeUse when hirsutism is due to PCOS.
  • Oligomenorrhea
  • Hyperandrogenism
  • Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound

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 hirsutism

Essential facts and insights about Hirsutism

The ICD-10 code for hirsutism is L68.0, used when no underlying condition is identified.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hirsutism

Hirsutism
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Ferriman-Gallwey score ≥8

documentation Criteria

  • Specific anatomical locations of hair growth

Applicable To

  • Male-pattern terminal hair growth

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Ferriman-Gallwey score ≥8
  • Documented male-pattern hair growth

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified codes
  • Failure to document specific hair growth patterns

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the pattern and location of hair growth.

Ancillary Codes

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

Abnormal results of endocrine function studies

R94.6
Use for supporting abnormal lab findings related to hirsutism.

Differential Codes

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

Hypertrichosis, unspecified

L68.9
Use when hair growth is not male-pattern or specific.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

E25.0
Use when hirsutism is due to adrenal hyperplasia.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hirsutism to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L68.0.

Impact

Clinical: Lack of specificity in patient records., Regulatory: Potential non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Risk of denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation, Use specific codes when possible

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure the underlying condition is coded first if known.

Impact

Failure to code the underlying condition first.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coding staff on proper sequencing rules.

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

Documentation Templates for Hirsutism

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

Endocrinology consultation for hirsutism

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Ferriman-Gallwey score
  • Lab results
  • Imaging studies

Example Documentation

Patient presents with Ferriman-Gallwey score of 12, elevated testosterone levels, and oligomenorrhea. Ultrasound confirms polycystic ovaries.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has excess hair.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with Ferriman-Gallwey score of 12, indicating male-pattern hair growth on chin and upper lip.
Explanation
The good example provides specific scoring and anatomical details, supporting the diagnosis.

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

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