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ICD-10 Coding for Keloid(L91.0)

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

Also known as:

Keloid scarHypertrophic scar

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Keloid

L91-L99Primary Range

Other disorders of skin and subcutaneous tissue

This range includes conditions related to hypertrophic scars and keloids, with L91.0 being the specific code for keloids.

Other disorders of skin and subcutaneous tissue

This broader range includes various skin disorders, with L91.0 specifically addressing keloids.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for keloid

Essential facts and insights about Keloid

The ICD-10 code for keloid is L91.0, which includes hypertrophic scars.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for keloid

Hypertrophic scar
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of a keloid with symptoms such as pain or functional impairment.

coding Criteria

  • Differentiate from acne-related keloids and non-hypertrophic scars.

documentation Criteria

  • Document location, size, and symptoms to support medical necessity.

Applicable To

  • Keloid
  • Keloid scar

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Presence of thick, glassy collagen bundles extending beyond original wound margins
  • Symptoms such as pain, pruritus, or functional impairment

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification with L90.5 for non-hypertrophic scars
  • Incorrectly coding acne-related keloids under L91.0

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies symptoms and functional impact to justify medical necessity.

Ancillary Codes

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

Burn sequela

T21.31XS
Use when a keloid is a sequela of a burn, coded first before L91.0.

Maternal care for uterine scar from previous surgery

O34.2
Use in obstetric cases related to a previous uterine scar.

Differential Codes

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

Scar NOS

L90.5
Use only if the provider explicitly states 'scar' without keloid features.

Acne keloidalis

L73.0
Requires documentation of follicular involvement.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Keloid to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L91.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to lack of medical necessity.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all symptoms are documented in the patient's record., Use templates to guide comprehensive documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data and statistics.

Mitigation Strategy

Query provider to confirm if the scar is a typical scar or a keloid.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment for procedures., Compliance: Non-compliance with procedural coding standards., Data Quality: Misrepresentation of the complexity of care provided.

Mitigation Strategy

Use complex repair codes like 13101 instead of simple excision codes.

Impact

Lack of detailed symptom documentation may trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure comprehensive documentation of symptoms and functional impacts.

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

Documentation Templates for Keloid

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

Keloid treatment with intralesional injection

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

  • Indication for treatment
  • Location and size of keloid
  • Symptoms and functional impact
  • Treatment details including medication and dosage

Example Documentation

INDICATION: Symptomatic keloid causing pain and itching. LOCATION: Right shoulder, 3 cm diameter. TREATMENT: Intralesional injection with triamcinolone acetonide 10 mg/ml, 0.5 ml.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Keloid on shoulder treated.
Good Documentation Example
3 cm keloid on right shoulder causing pain and itching, treated with 0.5 ml triamcinolone acetonide.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on size, symptoms, and treatment, supporting medical necessity.

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

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