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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesChapter 12: Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissueL82

L82

Non-billable

Seborrheic keratosis

Chapter 12:Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L82 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of seborrheic keratosis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Seborrheic keratosis (L82) is a common benign skin tumor characterized by the presence of well-defined, scaly, and often pigmented lesions that can vary in color from light tan to black. These lesions typically appear on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the face, scalp, chest, and back, but can also occur in non-sun-exposed regions. Clinically, seborrheic keratoses are often described as having a 'stuck-on' appearance, and they may be flat or raised. The lesions are generally asymptomatic but can become itchy or irritated. The exact etiology remains unclear, but genetic factors and sun exposure are believed to play significant roles in their development. Seborrheic keratosis is not considered precancerous, but differential diagnosis is essential to rule out other skin conditions, including melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by a thorough patient history and physical examination. In some cases, a biopsy may be warranted to confirm the diagnosis, especially if the lesion exhibits atypical features. Regular monitoring is advised, as new lesions may develop over time, particularly in older adults.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Low

Low Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Low - primarily clinical diagnosis
  • Treatment complexity: Low - often requires no treatment; removal is elective
  • Documentation requirements: Moderate - clear documentation of lesion characteristics needed
  • Coding specificity: Low - specific to benign lesions without atypical features

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification as malignant lesions
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete descriptions of lesions
  • Billing challenges: Denials for procedures not medically necessary

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary medical specialty: 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

Secondary specialty: Family Medicine

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

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Seborrheic keratosis is prevalent in the aging population, impacting a significant portion of adults over 40. While generally benign, the presence of these lesions can affect patients' quality of life due to cosmetic concerns. Understanding the epidemiology of seborrheic keratosis aids in recognizing its commonality and the need for appropriate management strategies, which can reduce healthcare utilization related to unnecessary procedures.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Seborrheic keratosis is prevalent in the aging population, impacting a significant portion of adults over 40. While generally benign, the presence of these lesions can affect patients' quality of life due to cosmetic concerns. Understanding the epidemiology of seborrheic keratosis aids in recognizing its commonality and the need for appropriate management strategies, which can reduce healthcare utilization related to unnecessary procedures.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement may vary based on the payer's policies regarding benign lesions. Common denials may arise if the documentation does not clearly establish the need for treatment or if the procedure is deemed cosmetic. Coders should ensure that the diagnosis aligns with the procedure codes used and that all documentation is complete and accurate to support the claim.

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 L82?

L82 specifically covers seborrheic keratosis, which includes various types such as common seborrheic keratosis, atypical seborrheic keratosis, and other benign lesions that fit the clinical description.

When should L82 be used instead of related codes?

L82 should be used when the diagnosis is confirmed as seborrheic keratosis, particularly when lesions are benign and do not exhibit atypical features. If there are signs of malignancy or atypical characteristics, other codes should be considered.

What documentation supports L82?

Documentation should include a detailed description of the lesions, their location, size, color, and any symptoms experienced by the patient. Photographic evidence may also support the diagnosis.