Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
This chapter covers ICD-10-CM codes in the range L00-L99 for diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Includes diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue such as infections, dermatitis, and other inflammatory conditions.
Chapter Overview
Key Statistics
- •Contains 9 categories and 73 total codes
- •Includes 15 billable codes and 58 non-billable codes
- •Chapter range: L00-L99
Clinical Relevance
Used for dermatologic conditions including infections, inflammatory conditions, and ulcers. Essential for dermatology, wound care, and plastic surgery.
Documentation Requirements
Requires anatomical site, extent/staging for ulcers, and underlying cause identification. Infection requires organism specification.
Special Considerations
Pressure ulcers require stage documentation. External cause codes needed for traumatic skin conditions.
Categories in this Chapter
Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
Bullous disorders
Dermatitis and eczema
Papulosquamous disorders
Urticaria and erythema
Radiation-related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
Disorders of skin appendages
Intraoperative and postprocedural complications of skin and subcutaneous tissue
Other disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
Chapter-Specific Coding Guidelines
General Guidelines for Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue:
- Follow standard ICD-10-CM coding principles for diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
- Document the most specific diagnosis supported by the medical record
- Use additional codes for manifestations, complications, or associated conditions
- Ensure proper sequencing based on the reason for the encounter
Documentation Requirements:
- •Specific condition or disease process
- •Acute versus chronic status when applicable
- •Severity or stage when documented
- •Associated symptoms or complications
- •Treatment response and current status
Sequencing Rules:
- Principal diagnosis should reflect the main reason for the encounter
- Sequence complications according to treatment focus
- Use appropriate combination codes when available
- Follow chapter-specific sequencing guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓For conditions classified in the L00-L99 range
- ✓When the condition is the primary focus of care
- ✓During active treatment or monitoring
- ✓For documented complications of the condition
When NOT to Use:
- ✗For personal history without current manifestations
- ✗During screening encounters without findings
- ✗For conditions better classified elsewhere
- ✗When condition is ruled out or suspected only
Special Considerations:
- ⚠Review chapter-specific coding guidelines
- ⚠Consider combination codes before multiple codes
- ⚠Document functional impact when relevant
- ⚠Use external cause codes when applicable
Version Updates
The 2025 ICD-10-CM updates include refinements to diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue coding for improved specificity and clinical relevance.
Recent Updates:
Enhanced Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue Specificity
Updated codes within L00-L99 for improved clinical documentation
Impact: Better alignment with clinical practice and quality reporting
Implementation Guidance:
- •Review all diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue coding practices
- •Update documentation templates as needed
- •Train coding staff on any new requirements
- •Implement quality checks for accuracy
Upcoming Changes:
- →Potential enhancements to diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue codes in future updates
- →Continued alignment with clinical practice evolution
Related Resources
Key resources for diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue coding and clinical documentation.
Official Documentation:
Related Chapters:
Tools and References:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key considerations when coding diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue?
Focus on specific diagnosis documentation, proper sequencing, and use of additional codes for complications or manifestations related to diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
How do I determine the most appropriate code within this chapter?
Review the medical documentation for the most specific diagnosis, check for combination codes, and follow the ICD-10-CM guidelines for this chapter.
When should I use additional codes?
Use additional codes for manifestations, complications, external causes, or other conditions that affect patient care during the encounter.