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ICD-10 Coding for Impetigo(L01.00, L01.01, L01.03)

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

Also known as:

School soresContagious pustular dermatitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Impetigo

L01.00-L01.09Primary Range

Impetigo

This range includes all specific types of impetigo, including bullous and non-bullous forms.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
L01.00Impetigo, unspecifiedUse when the type of impetigo is not specified in the documentation.
  • General diagnosis of impetigo without further specification
L01.01Non-bullous impetigoUse when documentation specifies non-bullous impetigo.
  • Presence of honey-colored crusts and erythema
L01.03Bullous impetigoUse when documentation specifies bullous impetigo.
  • Presence of large flaccid bullae with clear fluid

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 impetigo

Essential facts and insights about Impetigo

The ICD-10 code for unspecified impetigo is L01.00, but more specific codes like L01.01 for non-bullous and L01.03 for bullous impetigo should be used when documentation allows.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for impetigo

Impetigo, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Lack of specific type or laterality in documentation

Applicable To

  • Unspecified type of impetigo

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • General diagnosis of impetigo without further specification

Code-Specific Risks

  • Increased risk of claim denial due to lack of specificity

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies type to avoid using this non-billable code.

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 when culture confirms Staphylococcus aureus as the causative organism.

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B95.62
Use when culture confirms MRSA as the causative organism.

Differential Codes

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

Bullous impetigo

L01.03
Presence of fluid-filled blisters >1 cm

Non-bullous impetigo

L01.01
Absence of fluid-filled blisters

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Impetigo to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L01.00.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates to ensure all necessary details are documented, Educate providers on documentation requirements

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential claim denials due to unspecified coding, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding specificity requirements, Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in clinical data reporting

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure specific type (bullous or non-bullous) is documented and coded accordingly.

Impact

Increased scrutiny on claims using unspecified codes

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the most specific code possible.

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

Documentation Templates for Impetigo

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

Pediatric primary care visit for impetigo

Specialty: Pediatrics

Required Elements

  • Lesion type and count
  • Location and laterality
  • Presence of systemic symptoms
  • Exposure history
  • Lab confirmation

Example Documentation

Patient presents with 5 erythematous papules on left thigh progressing to bullae. Culture confirms Staphylococcus aureus.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Rash on face, impetigo
Good Documentation Example
Three non-bullous lesions with golden crusting on left cheek, no fever. First occurrence. Culture pending.
Explanation
The good example provides specific lesion details, location, and pending lab results, supporting accurate coding.

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

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

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