Anhidrosis
ICD-10 L74.4 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of anhidrosis.
Anhidrosis, or the inability to sweat normally, can lead to significant clinical concerns, particularly in regulating body temperature. It may arise from various underlying conditions affecting the sweat glands, including genetic disorders, neurological diseases, or skin conditions that damage the sweat glands. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as overheating, dry skin, and heat intolerance, particularly in hot environments or during physical exertion. The anatomy involved primarily includes the eccrine and apocrine sweat glands, which are distributed throughout the skin. Disease progression can vary; in some cases, anhidrosis may be localized, affecting only specific areas of the body, while in others, it may be generalized. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history, physical examination, and potentially sweat tests to assess gland function. It is crucial to differentiate anhidrosis from other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as dehydration or hyperhidrosis, to ensure appropriate management.
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
L74.4 covers anhidrosis due to various causes, including genetic conditions like ectodermal dysplasia, neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, and skin conditions that damage sweat glands, like psoriasis or scleroderma.
L74.4 should be used when the patient exhibits a clear inability to sweat, confirmed through clinical evaluation, and when other causes of sweating abnormalities have been ruled out.
Documentation should include a detailed patient history, physical examination findings, results from sweat tests, and any relevant imaging or laboratory studies that support the diagnosis of anhidrosis.
