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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL25.4

L25.4

Billable

Unspecified contact dermatitis due to food in contact with skin

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/06/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 L25.4 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified contact dermatitis due to food in contact with skin.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L25.4 refers to unspecified contact dermatitis due to food in contact with the skin. This condition is characterized by an inflammatory response of the skin that occurs when food substances come into direct contact with the skin, leading to symptoms such as redness, itching, swelling, and vesicular lesions. The skin involved typically includes areas that have been directly exposed to the allergen or irritant, which may include the face, hands, or any other area where food contact occurs. The disease progression can vary, with acute reactions presenting rapidly after exposure, while chronic dermatitis may develop with repeated exposure over time. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history to identify potential food allergens, physical examination of the affected skin, and possibly patch testing to confirm the diagnosis. It is crucial to differentiate L25.4 from other dermatitis types, such as atopic dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis, to ensure appropriate management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity
  • Treatment complexity
  • Documentation requirements
  • Coding specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors include misidentifying the cause of dermatitis.
  • Documentation gaps may arise if the food allergen is not clearly identified.
  • Billing challenges can occur if the condition is not well-documented, leading to denials.

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 ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

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 significance of L25.4 lies in its potential to affect quality of life, as patients may experience discomfort and distress from skin reactions. Understanding the epidemiology of contact dermatitis due to food is essential for population health, as it can lead to increased healthcare utilization and necessitate avoidance strategies. Quality measures may include tracking the incidence of dermatitis cases and the effectiveness of management strategies in reducing symptoms and improving patient outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of L25.4 lies in its potential to affect quality of life, as patients may experience discomfort and distress from skin reactions. Understanding the epidemiology of contact dermatitis due to food is essential for population health, as it can lead to increased healthcare utilization and necessitate avoidance strategies. Quality measures may include tracking the incidence of dermatitis cases and the effectiveness of management strategies in reducing symptoms and improving patient outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations may vary based on the payer, but ensuring that the diagnosis is clearly linked to the documented symptoms is crucial. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to specify the food allergen. Best practices include maintaining thorough records and ensuring that the coding accurately reflects the clinical scenario.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for L00-L99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for L00-L99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific conditions are covered by L25.4?

L25.4 encompasses unspecified contact dermatitis resulting from food substances, which may include reactions to fruits, vegetables, nuts, or other food items that come into contact with the skin. It is essential to differentiate this from other dermatitis types that may have different etiologies.

When should L25.4 be used instead of related codes?

L25.4 should be used when the dermatitis is specifically due to food contact and the exact food allergen is unknown or unspecified. If the allergen is known, codes from the L23 category may be more appropriate.

What documentation supports L25.4?

Documentation should include a detailed patient history indicating food exposure, physical examination findings, and any diagnostic tests performed, such as patch testing or allergy testing, to support the diagnosis of contact dermatitis.