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ICD-10 Coding for Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus(L90.0, N90.4, N48.0)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Lichen SclerosusLichen Sclerosus Embryo Transfer Atrophicus

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus

L90-L99Primary Range

Other disorders of skin and subcutaneous tissue

This range includes Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus as a skin disorder.

Noninflammatory disorders of female genital tract

Includes genital involvement of Lichen Sclerosus in females.

Diseases of male genital organs

Includes genital involvement of Lichen Sclerosus in males.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
L90.0Lichen sclerosus et atrophicusUse for non-genital LSEA cases.
  • White sclerotic plaques with epidermal atrophy on trunk/limbs
N90.4Leukoplakia of vulvaUse for confirmed vulvar LSEA cases.
  • Porcelain-white plaques with architectural changes on vulva
N48.0Balanitis xerotica obliteransUse for confirmed penile LSEA cases.
  • Sclerotic plaques on glans/prepuce

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 Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus

Essential facts and insights about Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus

The ICD-10 code for non-genital Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus is L90.0. For genital involvement, use N90.4 for vulvar and N48.0 for penile cases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for lichen sclerosus embryo transfer atrophicus

Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of white sclerotic plaques on non-genital skin.

coding Criteria

  • Avoid using for genital cases.

Applicable To

  • Non-genital LSEA

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • White sclerotic plaques with epidermal atrophy on trunk/limbs

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misuse for genital cases

Coding Notes

  • Ensure to differentiate between genital and non-genital cases.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pruritus, unspecified

L29.9
Use for severe itching impacting ADLs.

Differential Codes

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

Lichen planus, unspecified

L43.9
Presence of Wickham striae and mucosal involvement.

Localized scleroderma [morphea]

L94.0
Indurated plaques with lilac border.

Vitiligo

L80
Complete depigmentation, no sclerosis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L90.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or incorrect treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure biopsy results are documented before coding., Use templates to guide documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment affects reimbursement., Compliance: Violates ICD-10 Excludes2 rules., Data Quality: Leads to inaccurate clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use N90.4 for vulvar and N48.0 for penile involvement.

Impact

Risk of incorrect code assignment due to site misclassification.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory biopsy documentation for genital cases.

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 Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Non-genital LSEA diagnosis

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

  • Site of lesion
  • Biopsy results
  • Differential diagnoses ruled out

Example Documentation

Circumscribed, ivory-white sclerotic plaque (3x2cm) on left upper thigh with epidermal atrophy and follicular plugging. No genital involvement. Biopsy shows homogenized collagen in papillary dermis and lymphocytic infiltrate. Dx: L90.0.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
White patches on skin.
Good Documentation Example
Porcelain-white sclerotic plaques with epidermal atrophy on labia minora, biopsy-confirmed LSEA.
Explanation
The good example provides specific site and biopsy confirmation, essential for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus? Ask your questions below.

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