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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL70.8

L70.8

Billable

Other acne

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L70.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other acne.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L70.8 refers to 'Other acne,' which encompasses various forms of acne that do not fit into the more common categories such as acne vulgaris or acne rosacea. Clinically, patients may present with lesions that include papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts, which can occur on the face, back, shoulders, and chest. The anatomy involved primarily includes the pilosebaceous units, where sebaceous glands produce excess sebum, leading to clogged pores and inflammation. Disease progression can vary, with some patients experiencing mild, transient outbreaks while others may develop chronic, severe forms that can lead to scarring and psychological distress. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination, patient history, and, in some cases, laboratory tests to rule out hormonal imbalances or other underlying conditions. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment planning, which may involve topical or systemic therapies, lifestyle modifications, and regular follow-up to monitor the response to treatment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Moderate, as it requires differentiation from other acne types.
  • Treatment complexity: Moderate, with various treatment options based on severity.
  • Documentation requirements: Requires detailed clinical notes and treatment plans.
  • Coding specificity: Moderate, as it necessitates understanding of various acne forms.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of acne types.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete patient history or treatment records.
  • Billing challenges: Potential for denials if documentation does not support the diagnosis.

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

Primary care

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 L70.8 lies in its potential to affect patient quality of life, as acne can lead to psychological issues such as anxiety and depression. Understanding the epidemiology of various acne forms helps in tailoring public health initiatives aimed at prevention and management. Healthcare utilization patterns may reflect increased visits to dermatology specialists for treatment of complex cases, highlighting the need for effective management strategies.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of L70.8 lies in its potential to affect patient quality of life, as acne can lead to psychological issues such as anxiety and depression. Understanding the epidemiology of various acne forms helps in tailoring public health initiatives aimed at prevention and management. Healthcare utilization patterns may reflect increased visits to dermatology specialists for treatment of complex cases, highlighting the need for effective management strategies.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The clinical significance of L70.8 lies in its potential to affect patient quality of life, as acne can lead to psychological issues such as anxiety and depression. Understanding the epidemiology of various acne forms helps in tailoring public health initiatives aimed at prevention and management. Healthcare utilization patterns may reflect increased visits to dermatology specialists for treatment of complex cases, highlighting the need for effective management strategies.

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 L70.8?

L70.8 includes various forms of acne such as acne mechanica, acne fulminans, and other atypical presentations that do not fall under standard classifications. Each condition may have unique triggers and treatment approaches.

When should L70.8 be used instead of related codes?

L70.8 should be used when the acne presentation does not conform to the definitions of acne vulgaris (L70.0) or acne rosacea (L70.1). It is essential to document the specific characteristics of the acne to justify the use of this code.

What documentation supports L70.8?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical assessment, patient history, treatment history, and any relevant laboratory results. Clear descriptions of the lesions and their distribution are vital for supporting the diagnosis.