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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL72.8

L72.8

Billable

Other follicular cysts of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L72.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other follicular cysts of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L72.8 refers to 'Other follicular cysts of the skin and subcutaneous tissue,' which encompasses a variety of cystic lesions that arise from hair follicles or sebaceous glands. These cysts can present as firm, mobile nodules beneath the skin, often found on the scalp, face, neck, or trunk. Clinically, they may be asymptomatic or cause discomfort if inflamed or infected. The cysts are typically lined with keratinizing epithelium and contain keratin debris. The progression of these cysts can vary; while many remain stable, some may enlarge or become symptomatic, necessitating intervention. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by a thorough history and physical examination. Imaging studies are rarely required unless there is suspicion of deeper involvement or malignancy. Differential diagnoses include epidermoid cysts, pilar cysts, and other benign neoplasms. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management, which may include observation, drainage, or surgical excision in symptomatic cases.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Moderate, as differentiation from other cystic lesions can be challenging.
  • Treatment complexity: Low to medium, depending on the need for surgical intervention.
  • Documentation requirements: Moderate, necessitating detailed clinical notes.
  • Coding specificity: Medium, as it requires precise identification of the cyst type.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of cyst types.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding cyst characteristics.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to lack of specificity in documentation.

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

Surgery

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

Follicular cysts, while generally benign, can impact patient quality of life if symptomatic or recurrent. They are common dermatological conditions, with a significant prevalence in the population, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Understanding the epidemiology of these cysts can aid in resource allocation and management strategies within healthcare systems, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing unnecessary procedures.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Follicular cysts, while generally benign, can impact patient quality of life if symptomatic or recurrent. They are common dermatological conditions, with a significant prevalence in the population, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Understanding the epidemiology of these cysts can aid in resource allocation and management strategies within healthcare systems, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing unnecessary procedures.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations may vary based on the complexity of the procedure performed, with surgical excisions typically yielding higher reimbursement rates. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or misclassification of the cyst type. Best practices include thorough documentation of the clinical findings and ensuring that the procedure codes align with the diagnosis to minimize audit risks.

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 L72.8?

L72.8 covers various follicular cysts that do not fall under more specific categories, including atypical epidermoid cysts and other benign cystic lesions of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.

When should L72.8 be used instead of related codes?

L72.8 should be used when the cyst does not fit the definitions of more specific codes like L72.0 or L72.1, particularly when the cyst type is uncertain or atypical.

What documentation supports L72.8?

Documentation should include a detailed description of the cyst's location, size, characteristics, and any symptoms. Photographic evidence and notes on the clinical examination findings are also beneficial.