ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesTelangiectasia

Telangiectasia

ICD-10 Coding for Telangiectasia(I78.0, I78.1, K55.21, K55.22)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYDermatology
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Telangiectasia?
Essential facts and insights about Telangiectasia

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Presence of dilated superficial blood vessels, often appearing as red or purple lines on the skin.
  • Dermatoscopic examination may reveal vascular structures.
  • Physical exam may show telangiectasia on the face, legs, or trunk.

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Document location, size, and number of telangiectatic lesions.
  • Use specific terms like 'spider veins' or 'vascular malformations'.
  • Examples include: 'Patient presents with multiple telangiectasias on the left cheek.'

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Follow guidelines for distinguishing between primary and secondary telangiectasia.
  • Common errors include misclassifying telangiectasia as varicose veins.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Do not code for conditions like varicose veins or other vascular malformations.
  • Alternative codes may include those for related vascular disorders.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
I78.0
Capillary malformation
I78.1
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
Ancillary Codes
Z83.89
Differential Codes
I78.1
L71.9

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Dermatology

Specialty Applications

  • Common in adults, particularly women; can occur in patients with certain genetic conditions.
  • Relevant in outpatient dermatology clinics and cosmetic practices.

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 descriptions of lesions and any associated symptoms.

Billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding to avoid denials; check for medical necessity.