Allergic contact dermatitis due to plants, except food
ICD-10 L23.7 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis due to plants, except food.
Allergic contact dermatitis due to plants, except food, is a type of skin inflammation that occurs when the skin comes into contact with allergens found in certain plants. Common culprits include poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, which contain an oil called urushiol that triggers an immune response. Clinically, patients present with erythema, pruritus, and vesicular lesions that may develop into crusted plaques. The affected areas typically correspond to the site of contact, and symptoms can appear within hours to days after exposure. The disease progression can vary; while some individuals may experience mild symptoms, others may develop severe reactions requiring medical intervention. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on history and physical examination, although patch testing may be utilized to confirm the allergen. Understanding the anatomy involved, particularly the epidermis and dermis, is crucial as the immune response primarily affects these layers. Accurate diagnosis and management are essential to prevent complications such as secondary infections from scratching.
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
L23.7 covers allergic contact dermatitis specifically due to plant allergens, excluding food-related allergies. Conditions include reactions to poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, characterized by localized skin inflammation and allergic responses.
L23.7 should be used when the allergic contact dermatitis is specifically due to plant exposure, as opposed to other allergens or irritants. It is important to document the source of the allergen to ensure appropriate code selection.
Documentation should include a detailed patient history of exposure to specific plants, clinical findings such as the appearance and location of the rash, and any treatments provided. Patch test results may also support the diagnosis.
