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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesChapter 12: Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissueL23

L23

Non-billable

Allergic contact dermatitis

Chapter 12:Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

BILLABLE STATUSNo
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 L23 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Allergic contact dermatitis (L23) is a type of skin inflammation that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an allergen, leading to an immune response. This condition is characterized by redness, swelling, itching, and sometimes blistering of the affected area. Common allergens that can trigger allergic contact dermatitis include metals (like nickel), fragrances, preservatives, and certain plants (such as poison ivy). The clinical significance of accurately coding for L23 lies in the need for appropriate management and treatment, which may include avoiding the triggering substance and using topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and itching.

  • In clinical practice, it is essential to differentiate allergic contact dermatitis from other forms of dermatitis, such as irritant contact dermatitis or atopic dermatitis, as the management strategies may differ significantly. Proper documentation of the patient's history, including the identification of the allergen and the patient's response to previous treatments, is crucial for effective coding and billing. The L23 category encompasses various subcategories that specify the type of allergen involved, allowing for more precise coding and better tracking of allergic reactions in the patient population.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of allergens
  • Differentiation from other dermatitis types
  • Need for detailed patient history

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of allergen exposure
  • Misclassification of dermatitis type
  • Failure to update patient history

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Allergy and Immunology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical impact of the L23 code category is significant, as accurate coding can lead to better patient management and tracking of allergic reactions. Proper identification and documentation of allergic contact dermatitis can improve quality measures related to skin conditions and enhance population health initiatives aimed at reducing allergic reactions. Furthermore, understanding the epidemiology of allergic contact dermatitis can inform healthcare trends, such as the increasing prevalence of allergies in the general population and the need for targeted public health interventions. Administratively, accurate coding of L23 can facilitate better resource allocation for allergy testing and treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical impact of the L23 code category is significant, as accurate coding can lead to better patient management and tracking of allergic reactions. Proper identification and documentation of allergic contact dermatitis can improve quality measures related to skin conditions and enhance population health initiatives aimed at reducing allergic reactions. Furthermore, understanding the epidemiology of allergic contact dermatitis can inform healthcare trends, such as the increasing prevalence of allergies in the general population and the need for targeted public health interventions. Administratively, accurate coding of L23 can facilitate better resource allocation for allergy testing and treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations may vary based on the payer, but generally, accurate coding leads to appropriate reimbursement for services rendered. It is also important to include any relevant CPT codes for the services provided, such as evaluation and management codes or allergy testing codes, to support the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Official ICD-10 Guidelines for L23

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Official ICD-10 Guidelines for L23

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions are included in L23?

L23 includes various forms of allergic contact dermatitis caused by different allergens, such as metals, chemicals, and plants. Specific subcategories detail the type of allergen involved.

When should I use L23 codes?

L23 codes should be used when a patient presents with symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis, and there is a confirmed or suspected allergen involved. It is important to document the allergen for accurate coding.

What documentation is required for L23?

Documentation should include the patient's medical history, details of the allergic reaction, identification of the allergen, and any previous treatments or responses to therapy.