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 CodesR23

R23

Other skin changes

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R23 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other skin changes.

Key Diagnostic Point:

ICD-10 code R23 is used to classify a variety of skin changes that do not fit into more specific categories. This includes symptoms such as skin discoloration, abnormal texture, or other atypical skin findings that are not classified elsewhere. These changes can be indicative of underlying conditions, ranging from benign to serious. Common presentations may include erythema, papules, plaques, or other lesions that require further investigation. The clinical context is crucial, as these skin changes can be associated with systemic diseases, infections, or dermatological conditions. Accurate diagnosis often necessitates a thorough patient history, physical examination, and possibly laboratory tests or imaging studies to determine the underlying cause. Given the broad nature of this code, it is essential for coders to ensure that the documentation clearly supports the diagnosis and that the skin changes are not better classified under more specific codes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of symptoms that can be coded under R23
  • Need for thorough documentation to support the diagnosis
  • Potential overlap with other skin-related codes
  • Variability in clinical presentation and underlying causes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation supporting the diagnosis
  • Misclassification of skin changes that have specific codes
  • Failure to link symptoms to a definitive diagnosis
  • Inconsistent use of the code across different providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, physical examination findings, and any relevant lab results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unexplained skin changes during routine check-ups or follow-ups for chronic conditions.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that any systemic conditions contributing to skin changes are documented.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation including immediate findings and any interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute skin changes due to allergic reactions, infections, or trauma.

Billing Considerations

Document the acute nature of the presentation and any treatments administered.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R23 When
  • Coders should refer to the official ICD
  • CM guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the skin changes do not fit into more specific categories
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R23 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related Codes

Child Codes

7 codes
R23.0
Cyanosis
R23.1
Pallor
R23.2
Flushing
R23.3
Spontaneous ecchymoses
R23.4
Changes in skin texture
R23.8
Other skin changes
R23.9
Unspecified skin changes

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient presents with skin changes requiring evaluation.

Documentation Requirements

Document the history, examination findings, and any treatment plans.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the visit level reflects the complexity of the skin changes.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of skin changes, but it has also increased the complexity of documentation requirements. Coders must be diligent in ensuring that the documentation supports the use of R23 and that it is not misapplied.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of skin changes, but it has also increased the complexity of documentation requirements. Coders must be diligent in ensuring that the documentation supports the use of R23 and that it is not misapplied.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of skin changes, but it has also increased the complexity of documentation requirements. Coders must be diligent in ensuring that the documentation supports the use of R23 and that it is not misapplied.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use R23 instead of a more specific code?

Use R23 when the skin changes do not fit into any specific category and when the documentation supports the diagnosis as 'other skin changes'.