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ICD-10 Coding for Urticarial Rash(L50.0, L50.1)

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

Also known as:

HivesWhealsUrticaria

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Urticarial Rash

L50Primary Range

Urticaria and erythema

This range includes all types of urticaria, which are the primary focus for coding urticarial rash.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
L50.0Allergic urticariaUse when urticaria is confirmed to be due to a specific allergen.
  • Pruritic wheals with flare reaction to allergen
  • Skin prick testing positive for specific allergen
L50.1Idiopathic urticariaUse when urticaria persists without identifiable triggers.
  • Daily hives for 6 weeks or more
  • UAS7 score documentation

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 urticarial rash

Essential facts and insights about Urticarial Rash

The ICD-10 code for urticarial rash is L50.0 for allergic urticaria and L50.1 for idiopathic urticaria.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for urticarial rash

Allergic urticaria
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of wheals after allergen exposure

Applicable To

  • Urticaria due to specific allergens

Excludes

  • T78.1 (Adverse food reaction, unspecified)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Pruritic wheals with flare reaction to allergen
  • Skin prick testing positive for specific allergen

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding with T78.1 when allergen is specified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure allergen is documented to avoid using unspecified codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Adverse food reaction, unspecified

T78.1
Use when the food causing urticaria is unspecified.

Patient's noncompliance with medical treatment and regimen

Z91.19
Use if patient history indicates noncompliance affecting urticaria.

Differential Codes

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

Allergic contact dermatitis, unspecified cause

L23.9
Use L23.9 for contact dermatitis, not urticaria.

Defects in the complement system

D84.1
Consider D84.1 if immunodeficiency is suspected.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Urticarial Rash to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L50.0.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: May result in audit flags., Financial: Increases risk of claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Review patient history for specific triggers, Use detailed documentation templates

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials due to incorrect code pairing., Compliance: Violates ICD-10 exclusion notes., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of medical records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use L50.0 with specific allergen code from T36-T50 series.

Impact

Frequent use of L50.9 when more specific codes apply.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate staff on specific code use and documentation requirements.

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 Urticarial Rash, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Urticarial Rash

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

Chronic idiopathic urticaria management

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

  • UAS7 score
  • Duration of hives
  • Treatment history

Example Documentation

[Date] SUBJECTIVE: 34F c/o pruritic wheals x3 months, worsening at night. Denies NSAIDs/new foods. OBJECTIVE: Skin: 8-12 transient erythematous plaques (2-5cm), no residual hyperpigmentation. ASST: +2.1mm wheal differential. UAS7: 32/42. ASSESSMENT: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (L50.1), refractory to H1 antagonists. PLAN: Omalizumab 300mg SC q4 weeks.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has hives.
Good Documentation Example
Recurrent pruritic wheals (5-10/day), duration 8 weeks, UAS7=28. ASST +1.8mm. No identifiable triggers.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on the frequency, duration, and assessment scores, which are essential for accurate coding and treatment planning.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Urticarial Rash? Ask your questions below.

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