Intraoperative and postprocedural complications of skin and subcutaneous tissue
ICD-10 Codes (0)
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Updates & 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 L76-L76 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 L76-L76 pertains to intraoperative and postprocedural complications of skin and subcutaneous tissue. These codes are used to document complications that occur during or after surgical procedures involving the skin and subcutaneous tissue. This range includes complications such as infection, hemorrhage, and wound dehiscence, among others.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always code to the highest level of specificity available.
- •Use additional codes to identify the specific procedure that led to the complication.
- •If the complication occurs during the postoperative period, use a code from this range in addition to the code for the specific condition or complication.
- •In case of multiple complications, code each separately.
- •Use these codes in conjunction with codes from other ranges to provide a complete picture of the patient's condition.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a complication occurs during a surgical procedure involving the skin or subcutaneous tissue.
- ✓When a complication occurs in the postoperative period following a procedure on the skin or subcutaneous tissue.
- ✓When a complication is directly related to a previous surgical procedure on the skin or subcutaneous tissue.
- ✓When a complication leads to additional treatment or a change in the patient's care plan.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When the complication is not related to a surgical procedure on the skin or subcutaneous tissue.
- ✗When the complication is a routine postoperative occurrence.
- ✗When the complication is due to the patient's underlying condition, not the procedure.
- ✗When the complication occurs during a procedure on a different body system.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions with the patient's medical record and the official ICD-10 coding guidelines.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for codes in this range should include specific details about the procedure, the complication, and any additional treatment required. The documentation should clearly establish a link between the procedure and the complication.
Clinical Information:
- •Specific details about the procedure
- •Description of the complication
- •Timing of the complication (intraoperative or postoperative)
- •Additional treatment required due to the complication
- •Patient's response to treatment
Supporting Evidence:
- •Operative report
- •Postoperative progress notes
- •Laboratory or imaging results related to the complication
- •Notes from follow-up visits
Good Documentation Example:
Patient underwent excision of a skin lesion. In the postoperative period, the patient developed a wound infection requiring antibiotic treatment. The infection resolved with treatment.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient developed infection after surgery.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Failing to document the link between the procedure and the complication
- ⚠Not providing specific details about the complication
- ⚠Not documenting the patient's response to treatment
- ⚠Not using the highest level of specificity available
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
Coding for this range can be complex due to the need to establish a clear link between the procedure and the complication, as well as the need to use additional codes to provide a complete picture of the patient's condition. Additionally, the coding guidelines for this range are subject to change, requiring coders to stay up-to-date.
Key Factors:
- ▸Determining the link between the procedure and the complication
- ▸Coding to the highest level of specificity
- ▸Using additional codes to provide a complete picture of the patient's condition
- ▸Keeping up with changes to the coding guidelines
Specialty Focus
These codes are primarily used by surgeons, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons, but may also be used by other specialists who perform procedures on the skin or subcutaneous tissue.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient develops a wound infection following a skin graft procedure.
- • A patient experiences hemorrhage during a liposuction procedure.
- • A patient's surgical wound dehisces in the postoperative period following a skin lesion excision.
- • A patient develops a seroma following a mastectomy with reconstruction.
- • A patient experiences a reaction to a skin graft.
Resources & References
Resources for coding in this range include the official ICD-10 coding guidelines, the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- AHIMA Coding Clinic
- AAPC Coder's Desk Reference
Clinical References:
- American College of Surgeons
- American Academy of Dermatology
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Educational Materials:
- AHIMA ICD-10-CM Coding Workbook
- AAPC ICD-10-CM Training Manual
- ICD-10-CM Coding Handbook
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I code for a complication that occurs during a procedure on the skin or subcutaneous tissue?
Use a code from the L76-L76 range to document the complication. Use additional codes to identify the specific procedure that led to the complication.