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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL51.3

L51.3

Billable

Stevens-Johnson syndrome-toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap syndrome

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L51.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of stevens-johnson syndrome-toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap syndrome.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) overlap syndrome is a severe, life-threatening condition characterized by extensive skin detachment and mucosal involvement. Clinically, patients present with flu-like symptoms, followed by the rapid onset of painful erythematous macules that evolve into vesicles and bullae. The epidermis may slough off, leading to significant fluid loss and risk of secondary infections. The condition primarily affects the skin and mucous membranes, including the eyes, mouth, and genitalia. The pathophysiology involves a hypersensitivity reaction, often triggered by medications, infections, or other factors. Disease progression can lead to complications such as sepsis, organ failure, and long-term sequelae like scarring and vision loss. Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation, history of exposure to potential triggers, and sometimes skin biopsy. Early recognition and prompt treatment are crucial to improve outcomes and reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this syndrome.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity
  • Treatment complexity
  • Documentation requirements
  • Coding specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors include misclassification with other skin disorders.
  • Documentation gaps may arise from insufficient detail on the extent of skin involvement.
  • Billing challenges often stem from the need for comprehensive treatment plans and follow-up care.

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

Emergency Medicine

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

Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap syndrome significantly impact patient health, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates. The condition requires extensive healthcare resources, including hospitalization and specialized care. Epidemiologically, it affects a small percentage of the population, but the consequences can be devastating, necessitating ongoing quality measures to improve recognition and management of this serious dermatological condition.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap syndrome significantly impact patient health, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates. The condition requires extensive healthcare resources, including hospitalization and specialized care. Epidemiologically, it affects a small percentage of the population, but the consequences can be devastating, necessitating ongoing quality measures to improve recognition and management of this serious dermatological condition.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the severity of the condition and the complexity of care provided. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for treatments. Best practices include ensuring that all clinical findings are well-documented and that the treatment plan aligns with the diagnosis to avoid billing challenges.

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 L51.3?

L51.3 encompasses cases where patients exhibit features of both Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, typically characterized by significant skin and mucosal involvement, often triggered by medications or infections.

When should L51.3 be used instead of related codes?

L51.3 should be used when a patient presents with overlapping symptoms of SJS and TEN, particularly when there is extensive skin detachment and mucosal involvement that does not fit neatly into either category alone.

What documentation supports L51.3?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical history, description of skin lesions, any associated symptoms, and a record of potential triggers. A thorough examination of mucosal involvement is also essential.