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 CodesQ85.9

Q85.9

Billable

Phakomatosis, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 Q85.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of phakomatosis, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Phakomatosis refers to a group of congenital disorders characterized by the presence of skin lesions and other abnormalities that can affect various organ systems. These conditions often involve neurocutaneous syndromes, where the skin and nervous system are both affected. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific type of phakomatosis has not been determined. Common manifestations may include neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, and Sturge-Weber syndrome, which can present with skin pigmentation changes, tumors, and neurological deficits. Accurate diagnosis often requires a multidisciplinary approach, including dermatological, neurological, and genetic evaluations. The complexity of these conditions lies in their variable presentations and potential for associated systemic involvement, necessitating thorough clinical assessment and documentation to guide appropriate coding and treatment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and associated symptoms
  • Need for multidisciplinary evaluations and documentation
  • Potential overlap with other congenital conditions
  • Requirement for genetic testing and interpretation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify associated conditions or symptoms
  • Misuse of unspecified codes leading to potential denials
  • Lack of genetic testing documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Pediatric documentation must include growth parameters, developmental milestones, and specific skin findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include a child presenting with café-au-lait spots and neurological symptoms, requiring a thorough evaluation for neurofibromatosis.

Billing Considerations

Pediatric coders should be aware of the age-specific manifestations of phakomatosis and the importance of family history in genetic conditions.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic documentation should include family pedigree, results of genetic testing, and any counseling provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Scenarios may involve a child with multiple skin lesions undergoing genetic counseling for potential hereditary syndromes.

Billing Considerations

Genetic coders must ensure accurate coding of both the condition and any related genetic tests performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Q85.9 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding congenital conditions, ensuring specificity and accuracy in documentation
  • Use additional codes to capture associated conditions or complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Q85.9 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 patients with phakomatosis.

Documentation Requirements

Document history, examination findings, and any changes in treatment.

Specialty Considerations

Pediatricians should focus on developmental assessments.

81229CPT Code

Genetic testing for neurofibromatosis

Clinical Scenario

When genetic testing is performed to confirm a diagnosis.

Documentation Requirements

Include results of genetic tests and interpretation.

Specialty Considerations

Geneticists should document family history and counseling provided.

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, improving the ability to capture the complexity of phakomatosis and related syndromes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital conditions, improving the ability to capture the complexity of phakomatosis and related syndromes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital conditions, improving the ability to capture the complexity of phakomatosis and related syndromes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
  • •
    American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
  • •
    American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is phakomatosis?

Phakomatosis refers to a group of congenital disorders characterized by skin lesions and neurological abnormalities. It includes conditions like neurofibromatosis and tuberous sclerosis, which require careful documentation for accurate coding.

How do I code for a specific type of phakomatosis?

When a specific type of phakomatosis is diagnosed, use the corresponding code (e.g., Q85.0 for Neurofibromatosis type 1) instead of the unspecified code Q85.9.