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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesQ81.1

Q81.1

Billable

Epidermolysis bullosa letalis

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 Q81.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa letalis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Epidermolysis bullosa letalis (EBL) is a severe genetic skin disorder characterized by extreme fragility of the skin and mucous membranes, leading to blister formation and erosions with minimal trauma. This condition is primarily caused by mutations in genes responsible for the structural integrity of the skin, particularly those encoding for proteins in the basement membrane zone. Clinically, patients present with widespread blistering at birth, which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality due to complications such as infection, fluid loss, and nutritional deficiencies. The condition is often associated with other congenital malformations, including those affecting the skin, breast, spleen, and adrenal glands. Management of EBL requires a multidisciplinary approach, including dermatology, pediatrics, and genetics, to address the complex needs of affected individuals and their families. Genetic counseling is essential for families to understand the inheritance patterns and risks for future pregnancies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity among patients
  • Need for genetic testing to confirm diagnosis
  • Potential for associated congenital anomalies
  • Documentation of family history and genetic counseling

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of genetic testing results
  • Failure to document associated congenital anomalies
  • Misclassification of the severity of the condition
  • Incomplete family history documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on the patient's skin condition, treatment plans, and follow-up care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of newborns with blistering skin, monitoring for infections, and nutritional support.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of psychosocial impacts on families and the need for supportive care.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic testing results, family pedigree, and counseling notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Counseling families about inheritance patterns and risks for future pregnancies.

Billing Considerations

Understanding the implications of genetic mutations and the potential for other associated congenital conditions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Q81.1 When
  • Follow ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding congenital conditions, ensuring accurate documentation of the diagnosis, associated conditions, and any genetic testing performed

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Q81.1 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits in managing EBL.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's condition, treatment plan, and any changes in management.

Specialty Considerations

Pediatricians should focus on growth and development assessments.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital conditions like EBL, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital conditions like EBL, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary cause of epidermolysis bullosa letalis?

EBL is primarily caused by mutations in genes that encode proteins essential for skin integrity, particularly in the basement membrane zone.