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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesQ81.2

Q81.2

Billable

Epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica

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

Code Description

ICD-10 Q81.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica (EBD) is a genetic skin disorder characterized by extreme fragility of the skin, leading to blister formation in response to minor trauma or friction. This condition is caused by mutations in the genes responsible for producing collagen, a protein that provides structure and strength to the skin. EBD can manifest at birth or in early childhood, with symptoms ranging from localized blistering to widespread skin involvement. The severity of the condition varies, with some individuals experiencing mild symptoms while others may have extensive blistering, scarring, and complications such as infections or nutritional deficiencies due to difficulty in feeding. Management typically involves wound care, pain management, and nutritional support. Genetic counseling is crucial for affected families to understand inheritance patterns and the implications for future pregnancies. EBD is part of a broader category of congenital skin disorders, which may include other malformations such as ichthyosis, congenital nevi, and epidermal nevi, each with unique genetic underpinnings and clinical presentations.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of the condition.
  • Need for genetic testing results to confirm diagnosis.
  • Potential for co-existing congenital conditions that complicate coding.
  • Documentation requirements for wound care and management strategies.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of genetic testing results.
  • Failure to document the severity and extent of skin involvement.
  • Misclassification of the condition due to similar-sounding diagnoses.
  • Lack of comprehensive treatment plans in medical records.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Pediatric documentation must include growth parameters, developmental milestones, and detailed descriptions of skin lesions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include newborns presenting with blistering skin, children with recurrent infections due to skin fragility, and cases requiring surgical intervention for severe scarring.

Billing Considerations

Coders should be aware of the age of onset and the impact of the condition on the child's quality of life.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic documentation should include family history, results of genetic testing, and counseling notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Scenarios include families seeking genetic counseling after a diagnosis of EBD, prenatal testing discussions, and management of associated genetic syndromes.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding requires understanding of the genetic basis of the condition and its inheritance patterns.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Q81.2 When
  • Follow the ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding congenital conditions, ensuring accurate documentation of the diagnosis, severity, and any associated conditions
  • Use additional codes as necessary to capture complications or co
  • morbidities

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Q81.2 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for routine follow-up visits for patients with EBD.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include history, examination findings, and treatment plans.

Specialty Considerations

Pediatricians should focus on growth and development in their documentation.

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 EBD, 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 EBD, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    National Epidermolysis Bullosa Consortium

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    National Epidermolysis Bullosa Consortium

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the importance of genetic testing in coding for EBD?

Genetic testing is crucial for confirming the diagnosis of EBD and differentiating it from other forms of epidermolysis bullosa. Accurate coding relies on this information to ensure appropriate management and billing.