ICD-10 Coding for Lichen Sclerosus(L90.0, N90.4, N48.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Lichen Sclerosus. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Lichen Sclerosus
L90-L99Primary Range
Other disorders of skin and subcutaneous tissue
Includes non-genital lichen sclerosus under L90.0.
Noninflammatory disorders of female genital tract
Includes genital lichen sclerosus for females under N90.4.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| L90.0 | Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus | Use for non-genital lichen sclerosus. |
|
| N90.4 | Vulvar lichen sclerosus | Use for female genital lichen sclerosus. |
|
| N48.0 | Penile lichen sclerosus | Use for male genital lichen sclerosus. |
|
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
Essential facts and insights about Lichen Sclerosus
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for lichen sclerosus
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of white atrophic plaques on non-genital skin
Clinical Validation Requirements
- White atrophic plaques on trunk or limbs
- Biopsy confirmation showing epidermal atrophy and homogenized collagen
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding genital cases as L90.0
Coding Notes
- Ensure site specificity is documented to avoid misclassification.
N90.4 - Vulvar lichen sclerosus
Use for female genital lichen sclerosus.
Applicable To
- Genital lichen sclerosus in females
Excludes
- Non-genital lichen sclerosus (L90.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Porcelain-white vulvar lesions
- Biopsy confirmation required
Coding Notes
Biopsy confirmation is crucial for accurate coding.
N48.0 - Penile lichen sclerosus
Use for male genital lichen sclerosus.
Applicable To
- Genital lichen sclerosus in males
Excludes
- Non-genital lichen sclerosus (L90.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Phimosis, glans whitening
- Biopsy confirmation required
Coding Notes
Ensure genital involvement is documented.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Lichen Sclerosus to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L90.0.
Impact
Clinical: Misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims and audits.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document the specific site of lesions., Use biopsy results to confirm diagnosis.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Verify site and use N90.4 or N48.0 for genital cases.
Impact
High risk of audits if genital and non-genital sites are not clearly documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure detailed documentation of lesion sites and biopsy results.
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, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Lichen Sclerosus
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Lichen Sclerosus. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Female patient with vulvar lichen sclerosus
Specialty: GynecologyRequired Elements
- Location and description of lesions
- Biopsy results
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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