ICD-10 Guide

Scar

ICD-10 Coding for Scar(L90.5, L91.0)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYDermatology

COMPLEXITYHigh

LAST UPDATED09/15/2025

Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Scar?

Essential facts and insights about Scar

Key Clinical Considerations:

Visible alteration in skin texture or color
Dermatological assessment for scar formation
Palpation reveals firmness or irregularity in skin surface

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

Patient history of injury or surgery leading to scar formation
Use of terms like 'hypertrophic', 'keloid', or 'atrophic' for specificity
Examples include detailed descriptions of scar size, location, and symptoms

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

Follow guidelines for distinguishing between types of scars for accurate coding.
Common errors include misclassifying scar types or neglecting to document prior treatments.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

Active skin infections or inflammatory conditions
Alternative codes for skin lesions or other dermatological disorders

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Dermatology

Specialty Applications

Patients with a history of trauma, surgery, or skin conditions
Dermatology clinics, plastic surgery practices, and wound care centers

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

Comprehensive clinical documentation
Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
Proper exclusion considerations
Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

Ensure proper documentation for billing
Verify code specificity requirements
Check for any additional codes needed
Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

Insufficient clinical documentation
Incorrect code selection
Missing supporting diagnoses
Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements?

Include detailed history and physical exam findings related to the scar.

Billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding based on scar type and associated treatments.

Scar

Diagnosis Overview

Key Clinical Considerations:

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Specialty Applications

Coding Complexity

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

Common Issues

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements?

Billing considerations?

Scar

Diagnosis Overview

Key Clinical Considerations:

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Specialty Applications

Coding Complexity

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

Common Issues

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements?

Billing considerations?