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ICD-10 Coding for Skin Picking(F42.4)

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

Also known as:

Excoriation DisorderDermatillomania

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Skin Picking

F40-F48Primary Range

Anxiety, dissociative, stress-related, somatoform and other nonpsychotic mental disorders

This range includes excoriation disorder, which is primarily a psychological condition.

Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

This range includes codes for skin conditions that may result from or be related to skin picking.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for skin picking

Essential facts and insights about Skin Picking

The ICD-10 code for skin picking, also known as excoriation disorder, is F42.4. It is used when the condition is driven by psychological compulsion.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for skin picking

Excoriation (skin-picking) disorder
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of psychological compulsion and DSM-5 criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of attempts to stop and resulting distress

Applicable To

  • Compulsive skin picking

Excludes

  • Factitial dermatitis (L98.1)
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (F42.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Recurrent skin picking resulting in skin lesions
  • Repeated attempts to decrease or stop skin picking
  • Clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification with L98.1 if psychological component is not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes psychological compulsion to differentiate from dermatological conditions.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other specified disorders of skin and subcutaneous tissue

L98.8
Use for complications such as scarring or infection resulting from skin picking.

Differential Codes

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

Factitial dermatitis

L98.1
Use when lesions are self-inflicted without psychological compulsion.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

F42.2
Use when skin picking is part of broader OCD symptoms.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Skin Picking to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F42.4.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis as a dermatological condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure comprehensive psychological assessment is documented., Use DSM-5 criteria as a checklist.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: May result in non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of patient records and data analysis.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation clearly states psychological compulsion and DSM-5 criteria.

Impact

Lack of documentation for psychological compulsion can lead to audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all DSM-5 criteria are documented in patient records.

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

Documentation Templates for Skin Picking

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

Psychiatric Evaluation for Skin Picking

Specialty: Psychiatry

Required Elements

  • Patient history of skin picking
  • Attempts to stop
  • Impact on daily life
  • Psychological evaluation

Example Documentation

Patient reports daily skin picking for 2 hours, causing significant distress and social withdrawal. Multiple failed attempts to stop. No substance use.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient picks skin.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports 2-hour daily picking sessions targeting face/arms, causing missed workdays. Failed attempts with fidget toys. Denies substance use.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the frequency, impact, and attempts to stop, which are necessary for accurate coding.

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

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