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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL65.8

L65.8

Billable

Other specified nonscarring hair loss

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L65.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified nonscarring hair loss.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L65.8 refers to 'Other specified nonscarring hair loss,' which encompasses various forms of hair loss that do not result in scarring of the scalp or hair follicles. Clinically, this condition may present as diffuse thinning, patchy hair loss, or localized areas of alopecia without the typical scarring associated with conditions like cicatricial alopecia. The anatomy involved primarily includes the hair follicles and the surrounding dermal structures. Disease progression can vary significantly; some patients may experience transient hair loss that resolves spontaneously, while others may have persistent or recurrent episodes. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination, patient history, and potentially laboratory tests to rule out underlying conditions such as hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, or autoimmune disorders. Trichoscopy may also be employed to assess hair and scalp conditions more effectively. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for determining appropriate management strategies and preventing further hair loss.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

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

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors
  • Documentation gaps
  • Billing challenges

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

Endocrinology

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

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of L65.8 lies in its potential impact on patient quality of life, as hair loss can lead to psychological distress and social stigma. Understanding the epidemiology of nonscarring hair loss is crucial for population health, as it affects a diverse demographic. Increased awareness and proper coding can improve healthcare utilization patterns, allowing for better resource allocation and management of hair loss conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of L65.8 lies in its potential impact on patient quality of life, as hair loss can lead to psychological distress and social stigma. Understanding the epidemiology of nonscarring hair loss is crucial for population health, as it affects a diverse demographic. Increased awareness and proper coding can improve healthcare utilization patterns, allowing for better resource allocation and management of hair loss conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include verifying coverage for specific diagnostic tests and treatments, as well as understanding payer policies regarding hair loss conditions. Coding best practices involve using the most specific code available and ensuring that all services rendered are clearly documented.

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 L65.8?

L65.8 covers various nonscarring hair loss conditions such as telogen effluvium, alopecia areata variants, and other hair loss types that do not lead to scarring. It is essential to differentiate these from scarring alopecias to ensure accurate coding and treatment.

When should L65.8 be used instead of related codes?

L65.8 should be used when the hair loss is nonscarring and does not fit the criteria for other specific types of alopecia, such as L65.0 for alopecia areata or L66 for other hair loss disorders. Proper clinical assessment is necessary to select the appropriate code.

What documentation supports L65.8?

Documentation should include a detailed patient history, clinical examination findings, and any diagnostic tests performed. Notes should clearly indicate the nonscarring nature of the hair loss and any relevant comorbid conditions.