Urticaria and erythema
ICD-10 Codes (26)
L50L50.0L50.1L50.2L50.3L50.4L50.5L50.6L50.8L50.9L51L51.0L51.1L51.2L51.3L51.8L51.9L52L53L53.0L53.1L53.2L53.3L53.8L53.9L54Updates & 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 L49-L54 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 L49-L54 covers Urticaria and Erythema, which are skin conditions characterized by redness, itching, and hives. These codes are used to document various types of these conditions, including acute and chronic urticaria, erythema multiforme, and other erythema conditions. The codes in this range are used to specify the type of urticaria or erythema, its cause, and its severity.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always code to the highest level of specificity, indicating the type of urticaria or erythema.
- •Use additional codes to identify any associated underlying conditions or causes.
- •For chronic conditions, use the appropriate code to indicate the duration.
- •In case of drug-induced conditions, use the code for the specific drug as a secondary code.
- •Remember to code for any associated complications or manifestations.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient presents with hives or redness of the skin.
- ✓When a patient has a chronic condition of urticaria or erythema.
- ✓When a patient has a drug-induced urticaria or erythema.
- ✓When a patient has complications associated with urticaria or erythema.
- ✓When a patient has a specific type of urticaria or erythema, such as erythema multiforme.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When the patient's condition is not specifically urticaria or erythema.
- ✗When the condition is a symptom of another underlying condition.
- ✗When the condition is a reaction to a specific allergen, use the code for the allergen instead.
- ✗When the condition is a side effect of a medication, use the code for the medication instead.
- ✗When the condition is a manifestation of another disease, use the code for that disease instead.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions with the patient's medical record and the specific ICD-10 guidelines.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for urticaria and erythema should include a detailed description of the condition, its cause, its severity, and any associated complications. The type of urticaria or erythema should be specified, along with any underlying conditions or causes.
Clinical Information:
- •Type of urticaria or erythema
- •Cause of the condition
- •Severity of the condition
- •Duration of the condition
- •Associated complications or manifestations
Supporting Evidence:
- •Clinical examination findings
- •Laboratory test results
- •Imaging results
- •Patient's medical history
Good Documentation Example:
Patient presents with chronic urticaria, characterized by hives and redness. Condition has persisted for over six months. Caused by an allergic reaction to medication.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has hives.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not specifying the type of urticaria or erythema
- ⚠Not documenting the cause of the condition
- ⚠Not indicating the severity of the condition
- ⚠Not coding for associated complications or manifestations
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
The complexity of coding for urticaria and erythema is medium due to the need to specify the type of condition, its cause, its severity, and any associated complications. Additionally, coders must navigate the exclusions for this code range, which may require additional codes for underlying conditions or diseases.
Key Factors:
- ▸Determining the specific type of urticaria or erythema
- ▸Identifying the cause of the condition
- ▸Coding for the severity of the condition
- ▸Coding for any associated complications or manifestations
- ▸Navigating the exclusions for this code range
Specialty Focus
These codes are most commonly used by dermatologists, allergists, and general practitioners. They are used to document conditions of urticaria and erythema, their causes, and their complications.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient presents with hives and redness caused by an allergic reaction to a medication.
- • A patient has a chronic condition of urticaria that has persisted for over six months.
- • A patient has erythema multiforme, a specific type of erythema.
- • A patient has a drug-induced urticaria.
- • A patient has complications associated with urticaria, such as angioedema.
Resources & References
Resources for coding urticaria and erythema include the official ICD-10 guidelines, clinical references, and educational materials.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- National Center for Health Statistics
- World Health Organization
Clinical References:
- American Academy of Dermatology
- American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
Educational Materials:
- American Health Information Management Association
- American Academy of Professional Coders
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I code for a drug-induced urticaria?
First, use the appropriate code from the L49-L54 range to document the urticaria. Then, use a secondary code to document the specific drug that caused the condition.