The ICD-10 code range L80-L99 represents 'Other disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.' This range includes a variety of conditions such as vitiligo, scleroderma, and various types of ulcers. These codes are used to document diagnoses related to skin disorders not classified elsewhere, providing a comprehensive framework for skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Key Usage Points:

•Always code to the highest level of specificity within the L80-L99 range.
•Remember to document the location of the skin disorder.
•Use additional codes to identify any associated underlying conditions.
•For chronic ulcers, document the severity and stage of the ulcer.
•For drug-induced skin disorders, use an additional code to identify the drug.

Coding Guidelines

When to Use:

✓When a patient presents with a skin disorder not classified elsewhere.
✓When a patient has a chronic skin condition such as vitiligo or scleroderma.
✓When a patient has a skin ulcer, regardless of the cause.
✓When a patient has a skin disorder induced by drugs or radiation.
✓When a patient has a postprocedural skin disorder.

When NOT to Use:

✗When a patient has a skin disorder that can be classified elsewhere.
✗When a patient has a temporary skin condition, such as a rash due to an allergic reaction.
✗When a patient has a skin infection, such as cellulitis.
✗When a patient has a skin neoplasm.

Code Exclusions

Always verify exclusions by cross-referencing the patient's condition with the ICD-10 manual.

Documentation Requirements

Accurate documentation is crucial for coding within the L80-L99 range. It should include a detailed description of the skin disorder, its location, severity, and any underlying or associated conditions.

Clinical Information:

•Detailed description of the skin disorder
•Location of the disorder
•Severity and stage of the disorder, if applicable
•Any associated underlying conditions
•Cause of the disorder, if applicable

Supporting Evidence:

•Clinical examination findings
•Laboratory test results
•Imaging results
•Histopathological findings

Good Documentation Example:

Patient presents with a chronic non-healing ulcer on the lower left leg, approximately 3 cm in diameter, with exposed bone. The ulcer is due to peripheral vascular disease.

Poor Documentation Example:

Patient has a leg ulcer.

Common Documentation Errors:

⚠Not documenting the location of the disorder
⚠Not specifying the severity or stage of the disorder
⚠Not identifying any associated underlying conditions
⚠Not indicating the cause of the disorder

Range Statistics

Total Codes

168

Billable

Complexity:

Medium

Primary Use:Clinical Documentation

Chapter:12

Coding Complexity

Medium

Complexity Rating

The complexity of coding within the L80-L99 range is considered medium due to the need to accurately identify the specific type of skin disorder, its location, severity, and any associated conditions. Additionally, the cause of the disorder, if applicable, must be determined.

Key Factors:

▸Determining the specific type of skin disorder
▸Identifying the location of the disorder
▸Assessing the severity and stage of the disorder
▸Identifying any associated underlying conditions
▸Determining the cause of the disorder

Specialty Focus

The L80-L99 range is primarily used by dermatologists, but it's also relevant for general practitioners, internists, and wound care specialists.

Primary Specialties:

Dermatology

60%

General Practice

20%

Wound Care

20%

Clinical Scenarios:

• A patient with vitiligo presents for a routine follow-up.
• A patient presents with a new onset of scleroderma.
• A patient with peripheral vascular disease presents with a chronic non-healing ulcer.
• A patient presents with a drug-induced skin disorder.
• A patient presents with a postprocedural skin disorder.

Resources & References

Several resources are available for coding within the L80-L99 range, including the official ICD-10 manual, clinical reference books, and educational materials.

Official Guidelines:

ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) guidelines
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines

Clinical References:

Dermatology: 2-Volume Set by Jean L. Bolognia
Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology

Educational Materials:

AHIMA ICD-10 training materials
CMS ICD-10 educational resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a code from the L80-L99 range for a skin infection?

No, skin infections have their own specific codes in the L00-L08 range.