Papulosquamous disorders
ICD-10 Codes (25)
L41L41.0L41.1L41.3L41.4L41.5L41.8L41.9L42L43L43.0L43.1L43.2L43.3L43.8L43.9L44L44.0L44.1L44.2L44.3L44.4L44.8L44.9L45Updates & 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 L40-L45 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 L40-L45 is dedicated to papulosquamous disorders, a group of skin conditions characterized by papules and scales. These conditions include psoriasis, lichen planus, and pityriasis rosea, among others. The codes in this range are used to document the specific type of papulosquamous disorder, its location, and any associated complications.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always code to the highest level of specificity, including the type of disorder and location.
- •Use additional codes to document any associated conditions or complications.
- •Use combination codes when available to capture the full clinical picture.
- •Remember to update codes as the patient's condition changes or progresses.
- •Always verify the code in the ICD-10 manual before finalizing the claim.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with a papulosquamous disorder.
- ✓When a patient is receiving treatment for a papulosquamous disorder.
- ✓When a patient has a history of a papulosquamous disorder that affects their current health status.
- ✓When a patient presents with symptoms indicative of a papulosquamous disorder.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When the patient has a skin condition that is not a papulosquamous disorder.
- ✗When the patient's papulosquamous disorder is not relevant to the current visit.
- ✗When the patient's condition is better documented with a different code.
- ✗When the patient's condition is still under investigation.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions with the provider and the ICD-10 manual.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for papulosquamous disorders should clearly indicate the specific diagnosis, location of the disorder, and any associated complications. The provider's notes should support the chosen code.
Clinical Information:
- •Specific diagnosis
- •Location of the disorder
- •Severity of the disorder
- •Associated complications
- •Treatment plan
Supporting Evidence:
- •Clinical examination findings
- •Laboratory test results
- •Imaging results
- •Provider's clinical judgment
Good Documentation Example:
Patient diagnosed with severe plaque psoriasis on the elbows and knees. Treatment plan includes topical steroids and light therapy.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has a skin condition.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not documenting the specific type of disorder
- ⚠Not documenting the location of the disorder
- ⚠Not documenting associated complications
- ⚠Not providing supporting evidence for the diagnosis
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
Coding for papulosquamous disorders is of medium complexity due to the need to accurately identify the specific type and location of the disorder, code any associated complications, and use combination codes when appropriate. Coders must also stay current with any changes to the ICD-10 manual.
Key Factors:
- ▸Determining the specific type of disorder
- ▸Identifying the location of the disorder
- ▸Coding associated complications
- ▸Using combination codes
- ▸Staying current with changes to the ICD-10 manual
Specialty Focus
Papulosquamous disorders are most commonly encountered in dermatology, but may also be seen in primary care and rheumatology due to the systemic nature of some conditions.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • Patient presents with a rash and is diagnosed with guttate psoriasis.
- • Patient with a history of psoriasis presents with joint pain and is diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis.
- • Patient presents with a lacy white rash on the mouth and is diagnosed with oral lichen planus.
- • Patient presents with a herald patch followed by a Christmas tree rash and is diagnosed with pityriasis rosea.
Resources & References
Resources for coding papulosquamous disorders include the ICD-10 manual, official coding guidelines, and clinical references.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) guidelines
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) guidelines
Clinical References:
- American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) guidelines
- UpToDate clinical database
Educational Materials:
- ICD-10 coding training courses
- Medical coding textbooks
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a code from the L40-L45 range if the patient's condition is suspected but not confirmed?
No, you should only use codes from this range if the patient's condition has been confirmed by the provider. If the condition is suspected but not confirmed, use a code to document the patient's symptoms instead.