Allergic contact dermatitis due to metals
ICD-10 L23.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis due to metals.
Allergic contact dermatitis due to metals is a type of skin inflammation that occurs when the skin comes into contact with specific metal allergens, such as nickel, cobalt, or chromium. Clinically, patients may present with erythema, pruritus, and vesicular lesions at the site of exposure, which can progress to crusting and scaling if left untreated. The condition primarily affects the epidermis and can involve the dermis in more severe cases. The disease progression typically begins with an initial sensitization phase, followed by a delayed hypersensitivity reaction upon subsequent exposures. Diagnosis is often confirmed through a thorough patient history, physical examination, and patch testing to identify the specific metal causing the reaction. It is essential for healthcare providers to differentiate allergic contact dermatitis from other dermatological conditions such as irritant contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis, as treatment strategies may vary significantly.
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
L23.0 specifically covers allergic contact dermatitis resulting from exposure to metals. This includes reactions to common metal allergens such as nickel, cobalt, and chromium, which can cause localized skin reactions upon contact.
L23.0 should be used when the dermatitis is specifically due to metal exposure. If the dermatitis is caused by other allergens or irritants, other codes such as L23.1 or L24.0 should be considered.
Documentation should include a detailed patient history of exposure to metals, results from patch testing, clinical findings, and any previous treatments. This information is crucial for accurate coding and reimbursement.
