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ICD-10 Coding for Pityriasis Rosea(L42)

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

Also known as:

PRHerald Patch Rash

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Pityriasis Rosea

L40-L45Primary Range

Papulosquamous disorders

This range includes pityriasis rosea and related skin conditions.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for pityriasis rosea

Essential facts and insights about Pityriasis Rosea

The ICD-10 code for pityriasis rosea is L42, used for cases with a herald patch and typical rash distribution.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for pityriasis rosea

Pityriasis rosea
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of herald patch and typical rash distribution.

coding Criteria

  • Negative RPR/VDRL test to rule out syphilis.

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed description of rash and test results.

Applicable To

  • Herald patch
  • Christmas tree pattern rash

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Presence of herald patch
  • Christmas tree distribution of rash
  • Negative RPR/VDRL test

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misdiagnosis if syphilis is not ruled out
  • Incorrect coding without herald patch documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes herald patch and rash distribution to support L42 coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for immunization

Z23
Use if vaccination is administered during the visit.

Encounter for general adult medical examination without abnormal findings

Z00.00
Use if pityriasis rosea is found incidentally during a routine exam.

Differential Codes

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

Tinea corporis

B35.6
Positive KOH test, absence of herald patch.

Guttate psoriasis

L40.1
Presence of silvery scales, no collarette scaling.

Secondary syphilis

A51.39
Positive RPR/VDRL, involvement of palms and soles.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Pityriasis Rosea to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L42.

Impact

Clinical: Potential misdiagnosis of syphilis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with diagnostic criteria., Financial: Claim denials due to incomplete documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure RPR/VDRL tests are performed and results documented., Educate staff on importance of differential diagnosis.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential denial of claims due to insufficient documentation., Compliance: Risk of non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the presence of a herald patch.

Impact

Lack of detailed documentation may lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all clinical features are documented clearly.

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

Documentation Templates for Pityriasis Rosea

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

Dermatology Consultation

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Laboratory test results
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

24F presents with 2-week history of herald patch (3 cm, right abdomen) followed by truncal rash. Denies fever. Exam: Herald patch with collarette scaling. 30+ 0.5–1 cm oval plaques on trunk along cleavage lines. No vesicles/palmoplantar lesions. Tests: RPR non-reactive. Assessment: Pityriasis rosea (L42). Plan: Reassurance, topical triamcinolone 0.1% BID.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Rash on trunk. Benadryl advised.
Good Documentation Example
2-week history of 4 cm herald patch on chest with central clearing. Now with 15+ 1 cm oval plaques on trunk in Christmas tree pattern. RPR negative. Dx: L42. Plan: Hydrocortisone 1% + Zyrtec.
Explanation
The good example provides detailed description of the rash, test results, and a clear diagnosis and treatment plan.

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

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