ICD-10 Guide

Acne Scarring

ICD-10 Coding for Acne Scarring(L90.5, L91.0)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYDermatology

COMPLEXITYHigh

LAST UPDATED09/15/2025

Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Acne Scarring?

Acne scarring refers to the residual marks left on the skin following the resolution of acne lesions. It is a common dermatological condition that can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. Key clinical points include: 1) Acne scarring can be classified into atrophic (depressed) and hypertrophic (raised) scars. 2) The severity of scarring often correlates with the severity and duration of the acne. 3) Treatment options vary based on scar type and may include laser therapy, chemical peels, and dermal fillers. Etiologically, acne scarring results from the inflammatory response to acne vulgaris, leading to collagen destruction and abnormal healing. Clinically, patients may present with various scar types, including ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars. This diagnosis code is typically used in cases where patients seek treatment for cosmetic concerns or when scarring impacts psychological well-being.

Key Clinical Considerations:

Diagnosis requires a history of acne lesions followed by persistent scarring.
Signs include visible scars on the skin, which may be atrophic or hypertrophic.
Resolution criteria involve the absence of new acne lesions and stabilization of existing scars.
No specific laboratory or imaging findings are required; diagnosis is primarily clinical.

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include a detailed history of acne and description of scarring.
Compliant documentation: 'Patient has a history of acne with significant scarring on the cheeks.' Non-compliant: 'Patient has skin issues.'
Template phrases: 'Patient presents with scarring consistent with previous acne lesions.'
Medical necessity documentation should justify the need for treatment based on the impact of scarring.

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

Use this code when documenting acne scarring following acne treatment; for example, a patient with persistent scars after acne resolution.
Do not use this code for active acne lesions without scarring.
Correct usage: 'Patient presents with acne scarring on the back.' Incorrect: 'Patient has acne.'
Common errors include using the code for active acne or failing to document the history of acne.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

Excluded conditions include active acne lesions, as this code is specific to scarring.
Alternative codes for active acne include L70.0 (Acne vulgaris).
Common exclusion errors involve coding scarring without confirming the absence of active lesions.
Certain conditions are excluded to ensure accurate representation of the patient's current clinical status.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Dermatology

Specialty Applications

This diagnosis applies to patients with a history of acne who present with scarring.
Appropriate in clinical scenarios where scarring affects the patient's self-esteem or leads to psychological distress.
Applicable in both outpatient and inpatient settings, particularly in dermatology practices.
Specialty-specific considerations include the need for detailed photographic documentation in dermatology.

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

Comprehensive clinical documentation
Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
Proper exclusion considerations
Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Template 1

Template: 'Acne scarring diagnosed based on clinical findings of persistent scars.'

Template 2

Template: 'Patient presents with atrophic scars consistent with previous acne lesions.'

Template 3

Template: 'Diagnostic criteria met: Scarring observed on examination.'

Template 4

Template: 'Treatment plan includes laser therapy for acne scarring.'

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

Ensure proper documentation for billing
Verify code specificity requirements
Check for any additional codes needed
Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

Insufficient clinical documentation
Incorrect code selection
Missing supporting diagnoses
Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation is required for this code?

Documentation must include a history of acne and a detailed description of the scarring.

When should this code be used vs similar codes?

Use this code for patients with scarring post-acne; use L70.0 for active acne.

What are common billing issues with this code?

Common issues include claim denials due to lack of documentation supporting the scarring.

What procedures are commonly associated?

CPT codes for procedures like laser therapy (e.g., 17360) may be associated with treatment.

What is Acne Scarring?

Key Clinical Considerations:

Diagnosis requires a history of acne lesions followed by persistent scarring.
Signs include visible scars on the skin, which may be atrophic or hypertrophic.
Resolution criteria involve the absence of new acne lesions and stabilization of existing scars.
No specific laboratory or imaging findings are required; diagnosis is primarily clinical.

Acne Scarring

Diagnosis Overview

Key Clinical Considerations:

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Specialty Applications

Coding Complexity

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Template 1

Template 2

Template 3

Template 4

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

Common Issues

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation is required for this code?

When should this code be used vs similar codes?

What are common billing issues with this code?

What procedures are commonly associated?

Acne Scarring

Diagnosis Overview

Key Clinical Considerations:

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Specialty Applications

Coding Complexity

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Template 1

Template 2

Template 3

Template 4

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

Common Issues

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation is required for this code?

When should this code be used vs similar codes?

What are common billing issues with this code?

What procedures are commonly associated?