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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesChapter 12: Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissueL73

L73

Non-billable

Other follicular disorders

Chapter 12:Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L73 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of other follicular disorders.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L73 encompasses a variety of follicular disorders that are not classified elsewhere in the ICD-10 system. These conditions primarily affect the hair follicles and can manifest as various skin lesions, including keratosis pilaris, folliculitis, and other follicular hyperkeratosis disorders. Clinically, patients may present with rough, bumpy skin, often on the upper arms, thighs, and buttocks, or with inflamed hair follicles that can lead to discomfort and cosmetic concerns. The anatomy involved includes the epidermis and dermis, where hair follicles reside. Disease progression can vary; some conditions may be chronic and require ongoing management, while others may resolve spontaneously. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination, patient history, and, in some cases, skin biopsy to rule out other dermatological conditions. Understanding the specific type of follicular disorder is crucial for appropriate management and treatment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Moderate, as distinguishing between different follicular disorders may require clinical expertise.
  • Treatment complexity: Varies; some conditions may respond to topical treatments, while others may require systemic therapies.
  • Documentation requirements: Requires detailed clinical notes to support diagnosis and treatment.
  • Coding specificity: Moderate; while L73 is specific, related codes may overlap in presentation.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of follicular disorders.
  • Documentation gaps: Insufficient detail in clinical notes to support the diagnosis.
  • Billing challenges: Potential for denials if the diagnosis is not clearly documented.

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 CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

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 disorders can significantly affect patients' quality of life, leading to psychological distress and social withdrawal. Understanding the epidemiology of these conditions helps in identifying at-risk populations and implementing preventive measures. Quality measures related to skin health and patient satisfaction can be improved through effective management of these disorders, ultimately reducing healthcare utilization and associated costs.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Follicular disorders can significantly affect patients' quality of life, leading to psychological distress and social withdrawal. Understanding the epidemiology of these conditions helps in identifying at-risk populations and implementing preventive measures. Quality measures related to skin health and patient satisfaction can be improved through effective management of these disorders, ultimately reducing healthcare utilization and associated costs.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of the disorder and the treatment provided. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or misclassification of the condition. It is essential to ensure that all relevant clinical information is included in the patient's medical record to support the diagnosis and justify the services rendered. Familiarity with payer-specific guidelines can also help mitigate 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 L73?

L73 includes conditions such as keratosis pilaris, folliculitis, and other unspecified follicular disorders. Each condition has specific clinical criteria that must be met for accurate coding.

When should L73 be used instead of related codes?

L73 should be used when the follicular disorder does not fit the criteria for more specific codes like L72 or L74. It is essential to evaluate the clinical presentation and documentation to determine the most accurate code.

What documentation supports L73?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical history, physical examination findings, and any relevant diagnostic tests. Photographic evidence may also be beneficial in supporting the diagnosis.