ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL74.51

L74.51

Non-billable

Primary focal hyperhidrosis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L74.51 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of primary focal hyperhidrosis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Primary focal hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating localized to specific areas of the body, most commonly the palms, soles, axillae, and face. This condition is thought to be due to hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, leading to overproduction of sweat in response to stimuli that would not typically provoke such a response. The clinical presentation often includes episodes of sweating that can be triggered by heat, stress, or even without any identifiable triggers. The anatomy involved primarily includes the sweat glands, particularly the eccrine glands, which are responsible for thermoregulation. Disease progression can vary; while some patients may experience symptoms throughout their life, others may see a decrease in severity with age. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history, physical examination, and, in some cases, the use of quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART) to measure sweat production. It is essential to differentiate primary focal hyperhidrosis from secondary causes of hyperhidrosis, which may indicate underlying medical conditions.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

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

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors include misclassifying primary hyperhidrosis as secondary.
  • Documentation gaps may arise if the patient's history does not clearly indicate focal symptoms.
  • Billing challenges can occur if treatment options are not adequately 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

Neurology

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

Primary focal hyperhidrosis can significantly impact quality of life, leading to social anxiety, occupational challenges, and decreased productivity. It affects a notable portion of the population, with estimates suggesting that 1-3% of individuals may experience this condition. Understanding its epidemiology is crucial for healthcare providers to develop effective management strategies and improve patient outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Primary focal hyperhidrosis can significantly impact quality of life, leading to social anxiety, occupational challenges, and decreased productivity. It affects a notable portion of the population, with estimates suggesting that 1-3% of individuals may experience this condition. Understanding its epidemiology is crucial for healthcare providers to develop effective management strategies and improve patient outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

impact on their daily life. Reimbursement considerations include the necessity of treatments such as botulinum toxin injections, which may require prior authorization. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation of the condition's impact or failure to demonstrate the medical necessity of treatments. Coding best practices include ensuring that the diagnosis is clearly linked to the treatment provided and that all relevant documentation is complete and accurate.

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 L74.51?

L74.51 specifically covers primary focal hyperhidrosis, which includes excessive sweating localized to areas such as the palms, soles, axillae, and face without an identifiable secondary cause.

When should L74.51 be used instead of related codes?

L74.51 should be used when the sweating is localized and not due to an underlying medical condition. If the hyperhidrosis is secondary to another condition, such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes, then a different code should be used.

What documentation supports L74.51?

Documentation should include a detailed patient history, physical examination findings, and any diagnostic tests performed, such as QSART, to establish the diagnosis of primary focal hyperhidrosis.