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ICD-10 Coding for Recurrent Hives(L50.9, L50.8)

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

Also known as:

Chronic UrticariaChronic Hives

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Recurrent Hives

L50.0-L50.9Primary Range

Urticaria and angioedema

This range includes codes for various types of urticaria, including allergic, idiopathic, and chronic forms.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
L50.9Urticaria, unspecifiedUse when the cause of urticaria is unknown or not specified.
  • Documentation of urticaria without a specified cause or duration
L50.8Other urticariaUse for chronic urticaria with a specific trigger.
  • Documentation of chronic urticaria with a known trigger such as heat or stress.

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 recurrent hives

Essential facts and insights about Recurrent Hives

The ICD-10 code for recurrent hives is L50.8 when a specific trigger is identified.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for recurrent hives

Urticaria, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Unspecified urticaria with no clear etiology

Applicable To

  • Acute urticaria
  • Idiopathic urticaria

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of urticaria without a specified cause or duration

Code-Specific Risks

  • May lead to audits if used without specifying acute or chronic nature.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies whether urticaria is acute or chronic.

Differential Codes

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

Idiopathic urticaria

L50.1
Use when urticaria is chronic and no specific trigger is identified.

Allergic urticaria

L50.0
Use when urticaria is confirmed to be allergic in nature.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Recurrent Hives to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L50.9.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis of acute vs. chronic urticaria., Regulatory: Potential non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Risk of claim denials due to unspecified coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include duration in the clinical notes.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use L50.0 for allergic urticaria confirmed by testing.

Impact

Using L50.9 without specifying acute or chronic nature.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes duration and potential triggers.

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

Documentation Templates for Recurrent Hives

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

Chronic Urticaria Documentation

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

  • Duration of symptoms
  • Lesion characteristics
  • Response to treatment
  • Identified triggers

Example Documentation

Patient presents with recurrent erythematous wheals lasting over 6 weeks, unresponsive to antihistamines, with no identifiable triggers.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has hives.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has recurrent pruritic wheals lasting over 6 weeks, unresponsive to antihistamines.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on duration and treatment response, supporting chronic urticaria coding.

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

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