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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL87.2

L87.2

Billable

Elastosis perforans serpiginosa

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L87.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of elastosis perforans serpiginosa.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Elastosis perforans serpiginosa (EPS) is a rare skin disorder characterized by the abnormal degradation of elastic fibers in the dermis, leading to the formation of keratotic papules that can coalesce into serpiginous plaques. Clinically, EPS presents as skin-colored to brownish papules that typically appear on the extensor surfaces, such as the forearms, hands, and legs. The lesions may be itchy and are often mistaken for other dermatological conditions. The pathophysiology involves a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors, with associations noted in patients with connective tissue disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Disease progression is variable; while some patients may experience stable lesions, others may see an increase in the number and size of lesions over time. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination and, if necessary, a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis by demonstrating the characteristic findings of elastotic material in the dermis. Differential diagnoses include other forms of elastosis and keratosis, making accurate coding essential for appropriate management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires clinical evaluation and possibly biopsy for confirmation.
  • Treatment complexity: Management may involve topical therapies and patient education.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and possibly histopathological reports are necessary.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from similar conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification with other skin disorders.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete patient history or lack of biopsy results.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to insufficient documentation or unclear 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

Rheumatology

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

Elastosis perforans serpiginosa, while rare, can significantly impact patients' quality of life due to its chronic nature and potential for cosmetic concerns. Understanding its epidemiology is crucial, as it may be associated with underlying connective tissue disorders, influencing healthcare utilization patterns. Awareness of this condition can lead to better management strategies and improved quality measures in dermatological care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Elastosis perforans serpiginosa, while rare, can significantly impact patients' quality of life due to its chronic nature and potential for cosmetic concerns. Understanding its epidemiology is crucial, as it may be associated with underlying connective tissue disorders, influencing healthcare utilization patterns. Awareness of this condition can lead to better management strategies and improved quality measures in dermatological care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the diagnosis is clearly supported by clinical findings and any histopathological results. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to provide evidence of the condition's chronicity or severity. Best practices include maintaining thorough patient records, ensuring that all relevant details are included in the documentation, and using appropriate CPT codes for any procedures performed to support the diagnosis.

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 L87.2?

L87.2 specifically covers elastosis perforans serpiginosa, which is characterized by the presence of keratotic papules and serpiginous plaques associated with elastic fiber degeneration.

When should L87.2 be used instead of related codes?

L87.2 should be used when the clinical presentation aligns with elastosis perforans serpiginosa, particularly when lesions are confirmed through biopsy and differentiated from other elastotic or keratotic conditions.

What documentation supports L87.2?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical assessment, photographs of the lesions, and histopathological findings from any biopsies performed to confirm the diagnosis.