Urticaria due to cold and heat
ICD-10 L50.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of urticaria due to cold and heat.
L50.2 refers to urticaria due to cold and heat, a type of physical urticaria characterized by the development of hives in response to temperature changes. Clinically, patients may present with itchy, raised wheals on the skin that can vary in size and may be accompanied by erythema. The condition typically affects the skin and subcutaneous tissues, primarily in areas exposed to cold or heat stimuli. The pathophysiology involves the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells, leading to vascular permeability and the characteristic wheals. Disease progression can vary; some patients may experience acute episodes that resolve quickly, while others may have chronic symptoms that require ongoing management. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history, physical examination, and possibly provocation tests to confirm sensitivity to temperature changes. It is essential to differentiate L50.2 from other forms of urticaria, such as chronic spontaneous urticaria or urticaria due to other physical stimuli.
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
L50.2 specifically covers urticaria triggered by exposure to cold or heat, including cold urticaria and heat urticaria. These conditions are characterized by the development of hives upon exposure to temperature extremes.
L50.2 should be used when the urticaria is specifically induced by cold or heat stimuli. It is important to differentiate this from other types of urticaria, such as L50.1, which does not have a specific trigger.
Documentation should include a detailed patient history indicating the onset of hives in response to cold or heat, results from any provocation tests, and a physical examination noting the characteristics of the wheals.
