Bullous disorders
ICD-10 Codes (21)
L11L11.0L11.1L11.8L11.9L12L12.0L12.1L12.2L12.3L12.30L12.31L12.35L12.8L12.9L13L13.0L13.1L13.8L13.9L14Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
No significant changes for FY 2026
This range maintains stability with current coding practices
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for L10-L14 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
The ICD-10 code range L10-L14 represents bullous disorders, which are a group of skin conditions characterized by the formation of fluid-filled blisters or 'bullae'. This range includes various types of pemphigus, dermatitis herpetiformis, and other bullous disorders. The codes within this range are used to classify and document these conditions in medical records, insurance claims, and epidemiological research.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always code for the specific type of bullous disorder when known.
- •Use additional codes for any associated complications or manifestations.
- •For recurrent conditions, use the appropriate code for the acute phase.
- •Use combination codes where available to capture all relevant clinical information.
- •Always verify the final code with the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient presents with a new diagnosis of a bullous disorder.
- ✓When a patient is being treated for an existing bullous disorder.
- ✓When a patient has a history of a bullous disorder that affects current care.
- ✓When a patient has complications or manifestations related to a bullous disorder.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When the patient has a skin condition that does not involve bullae.
- ✗When the patient has a history of a bullous disorder but it does not affect current care.
- ✗When the patient's bullous disorder is not the reason for the encounter.
- ✗When the bullous disorder is only suspected but not confirmed.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions with the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for bullous disorders should include the specific type of disorder, the severity, the location of the lesions, any associated complications or manifestations, and the impact on the patient's function and quality of life.
Clinical Information:
- •Specific type of bullous disorder
- •Severity of the disorder
- •Location of the lesions
- •Associated complications or manifestations
- •Impact on function and quality of life
Supporting Evidence:
- •Clinical examination findings
- •Histopathological or immunofluorescence results
- •Response to treatment
- •Patient-reported symptoms and impacts
Good Documentation Example:
Patient diagnosed with severe pemphigus vulgaris, with extensive lesions on the trunk and limbs, causing significant pain and functional impairment.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has skin condition with blisters.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not specifying the type of bullous disorder
- ⚠Not documenting the severity or extent of the disorder
- ⚠Not documenting associated complications or manifestations
- ⚠Not documenting the impact on function or quality of life
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
Coding for bullous disorders can be moderately complex due to the variety of specific conditions within this range, the need to code for severity and location, the potential for associated complications and manifestations, and the use of combination codes. Additionally, there are several exclusions and differential diagnoses that must be considered.
Key Factors:
- ▸Variety of specific conditions within the range
- ▸Need to code for severity and location
- ▸Potential for associated complications and manifestations
- ▸Use of combination codes
- ▸Exclusions and differential diagnoses
Specialty Focus
Bullous disorders are primarily diagnosed and managed by dermatologists. However, these conditions can also be relevant to primary care physicians, rheumatologists, and allergists due to their potential systemic manifestations and associations with autoimmune diseases.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient presents with new-onset blistering rash and is diagnosed with bullous pemphigoid.
- • A patient with known dermatitis herpetiformis presents for routine follow-up and medication management.
- • A patient with severe pemphigus vulgaris is admitted for intravenous immunoglobulin treatment.
- • A patient with a history of bullous pemphigoid presents with a bacterial skin infection at the site of previous lesions.
Resources & References
There are several resources available for coding bullous disorders, including the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, the American Academy of Dermatology's coding resources, and various medical coding textbooks and online resources.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Academy of Dermatology's coding resources
- Medical Coding and Billing Online
- ICD10Data.com
Clinical References:
- Dermatology: 2-Volume Set by Bolognia, Jorizzo, and Schaffer
- Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine
Educational Materials:
- American Academy of Dermatology's ICD-10 coding resources
- Medical Coding Pro's ICD-10 training materials
- AAPC's ICD-10 coding training materials
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I code for a bullous disorder with an associated complication?
Use a combination code if available, or use multiple codes to capture the bullous disorder and the associated complication. Always code the bullous disorder first, followed by the code for the complication.
What if the specific type of bullous disorder is not known?
If the specific type of bullous disorder is not known, use the code for unspecified bullous disorder (L13.9). However, always strive to code for the highest level of specificity when possible.