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
ICD-10 CodesL25.5

L25.5

Billable

Unspecified contact dermatitis due to plants, except food

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/06/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 L25.5 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified contact dermatitis due to plants, except food.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L25.5 refers to unspecified contact dermatitis due to plants, except food. This condition is characterized by an inflammatory response of the skin resulting from direct contact with certain plants, which can include a variety of flora such as poison ivy, poison oak, and other non-food plants. Clinically, patients may present with erythema, pruritus, vesicles, and in severe cases, weeping lesions. The affected areas typically correspond to the site of contact with the plant material. The disease progression can vary; initial exposure may lead to acute dermatitis, while repeated exposure can result in chronic dermatitis with lichenification. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history to identify potential exposures, physical examination findings, and, if necessary, patch testing to confirm the allergen. It is crucial to differentiate L25.5 from other dermatitis codes, such as those related to food or other allergens, to ensure appropriate management and treatment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires careful history-taking and sometimes allergy testing.
  • Treatment complexity: Management may involve topical corticosteroids and avoidance of triggers.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed documentation of exposure history and clinical findings is essential.
  • Coding specificity: Must differentiate from other dermatitis codes, which can complicate coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification with other dermatitis codes.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete patient history or lack of detailed examination notes.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if the connection between exposure and symptoms is not clearly documented.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Allergy and Immunology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of L25.5 lies in its potential to affect a substantial portion of the population, particularly those who work or engage in outdoor activities. Understanding and managing contact dermatitis due to plants can lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare utilization. Quality measures may include tracking the incidence of dermatitis cases and the effectiveness of treatment protocols, which can inform public health strategies and educational initiatives aimed at prevention.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of L25.5 lies in its potential to affect a substantial portion of the population, particularly those who work or engage in outdoor activities. Understanding and managing contact dermatitis due to plants can lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare utilization. Quality measures may include tracking the incidence of dermatitis cases and the effectiveness of treatment protocols, which can inform public health strategies and educational initiatives aimed at prevention.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the diagnosis is clearly linked to the treatment provided. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate the medical necessity of the treatment. Best practices include maintaining thorough records of patient interactions, treatment plans, and follow-up assessments to support claims and reduce the risk of audits.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for L00-L99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for L00-L99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific conditions are covered by L25.5?

L25.5 covers unspecified contact dermatitis due to exposure to non-food plants. This includes reactions to plants like poison ivy, poison oak, and other similar flora that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

When should L25.5 be used instead of related codes?

L25.5 should be used when the specific plant causing the dermatitis is unknown or unspecified. If the plant is identified, more specific codes such as L23 (Allergic contact dermatitis) may be more appropriate.

What documentation supports L25.5?

Documentation should include a detailed patient history of exposure to plants, clinical findings from physical examinations, and any relevant allergy testing results to substantiate the diagnosis.