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ICD-10 Coding for Hyperhidrosis(L74.510, L74.512, L74.52)

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

Also known as:

Excessive sweatingPrimary hyperhidrosisSecondary hyperhidrosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hyperhidrosis

L74.5-L74.52Primary Range

Focal hyperhidrosis

This range covers focal hyperhidrosis, which is the most common form of hyperhidrosis, affecting specific body areas.

Generalized hyperhidrosis

This code is used for generalized hyperhidrosis, which affects the entire body and is often linked to systemic conditions.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
L74.510Primary focal hyperhidrosis, axillaUse for patients with excessive sweating localized to the axilla, confirmed by gravimetric testing.
  • Gravimetric measurement >20 mg/min in men
  • Failed treatment with prescription antiperspirants
L74.512Primary focal hyperhidrosis, palmsUse for patients with excessive sweating localized to the palms, confirmed by starch-iodine test.
  • Positive starch-iodine test
  • Gravimetric measurement >30 mg/min
L74.52Secondary focal hyperhidrosisUse when hyperhidrosis is secondary to another medical condition.
  • Documentation of underlying condition
  • Temporal relationship with the secondary condition

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 hyperhidrosis

Essential facts and insights about Hyperhidrosis

The ICD-10 code for primary focal hyperhidrosis of the axilla is L74.510. Ensure documentation includes specific location and severity.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hyperhidrosis

Primary focal hyperhidrosis, axilla
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Gravimetric testing confirms axillary sweating >20 mg/min

documentation Criteria

  • Document failed treatments and specific location

Applicable To

  • Axillary hyperhidrosis

Excludes

  • Generalized hyperhidrosis (R61)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Gravimetric measurement >20 mg/min in men
  • Failed treatment with prescription antiperspirants

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using unspecified codes
  • Lack of documentation for severity and location

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the location and severity of sweating.

Ancillary Codes

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

Generalized hyperhidrosis

R61
Use when systemic conditions are present alongside focal hyperhidrosis.

Differential Codes

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

Generalized hyperhidrosis

R61
Use R61 for sweating affecting the entire body without focal areas.

Primary focal hyperhidrosis, axilla

L74.510
Use L74.510 for primary axillary sweating without secondary causes.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hyperhidrosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L74.510.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the specific location of hyperhidrosis., Use specific codes rather than unspecified ones.

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied or reimbursed at a lower rate., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use the most specific code available for the condition.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Failure to follow coding rules., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of patient conditions.

Mitigation Strategy

Code the underlying condition first, followed by the hyperhidrosis code.

Impact

Unspecified codes can trigger audits due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the use of specific codes.

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

Documentation Templates for Hyperhidrosis

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

Neurology progress note for hyperhidrosis

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Subjective complaints
  • Objective findings
  • Assessment with specific ICD-10 code
  • Plan including treatment

Example Documentation

Subjective: 'My hands drip sweat during meetings' (HDSS=4). Objective: Starch-iodine: 8cm² palmar involvement. Gravimetric: 38 mg/min. Assessment: Primary focal hyperhidrosis, palms (L74.512). Plan: Botox 50 units/site (64653) - attach pre-auth from 03/24/25.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Excessive sweating noted.
Good Documentation Example
Primary focal hyperhidrosis, axilla (L74.510) with gravimetric measurement 22 mg/min. Failed Drysol 20% qhs × 8 weeks. Minor test shows 15cm² involvement.
Explanation
The good example includes specific location, severity, and failed treatment documentation, which are necessary for accurate coding and reimbursement.

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

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

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