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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesChapter 12: Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissueL27

L27

Non-billable

Dermatitis due to substances taken internally

Chapter 12:Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L27 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of dermatitis due to substances taken internally.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L27 refers to dermatitis due to substances taken internally, which encompasses a range of skin reactions resulting from systemic exposure to various substances, including medications, food allergens, and toxins. Clinically, patients may present with erythema, pruritus, urticaria, or more severe manifestations such as exfoliative dermatitis. The anatomy involved primarily includes the skin and its appendages, where the immune response to the offending substance leads to inflammation and disruption of the epidermal barrier. Disease progression can vary; some patients may experience acute reactions that resolve upon discontinuation of the offending agent, while others may develop chronic dermatitis requiring ongoing management. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history to identify potential triggers, skin examinations, and possibly patch testing or laboratory evaluations to confirm the diagnosis. It is essential to differentiate L27 from other dermatitis codes, such as allergic contact dermatitis (L23) or atopic dermatitis (L20), to ensure appropriate treatment and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires careful assessment of patient history and potential allergens.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve multiple treatment modalities, including avoidance strategies and pharmacotherapy.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed documentation of patient history, symptoms, and response to treatment is necessary.
  • Coding specificity: Requires accurate identification of the substance causing the dermatitis for proper coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentification of the cause or using a more general dermatitis code.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete patient history or lack of detailed symptom description.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if the relationship between the substance and dermatitis is not clearly documented.

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

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of L27 lies in its potential to identify and manage adverse reactions to medications and other substances, which can significantly affect patient quality of life. Understanding the epidemiology of dermatitis due to internal substances can inform public health initiatives aimed at reducing exposure to known allergens and irritants. Effective management of these conditions can lead to improved healthcare utilization patterns, as timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and reduce the need for more extensive medical interventions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of L27 lies in its potential to identify and manage adverse reactions to medications and other substances, which can significantly affect patient quality of life. Understanding the epidemiology of dermatitis due to internal substances can inform public health initiatives aimed at reducing exposure to known allergens and irritants. Effective management of these conditions can lead to improved healthcare utilization patterns, as timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and reduce the need for more extensive medical interventions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations may vary based on the payer, so understanding the specific requirements for documentation and coding is crucial. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation linking the dermatitis to the substance taken internally. Best practices include maintaining thorough records of patient history, treatment plans, and responses to therapy, as well as ensuring that all relevant codes are accurately reported to reflect the patient's condition.

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 L27?

L27 covers dermatitis resulting from systemic exposure to substances such as medications (e.g., antibiotics, NSAIDs), food allergens (e.g., nuts, shellfish), and toxins. Conditions may include drug eruptions, food-related dermatitis, and reactions to supplements.

When should L27 be used instead of related codes?

L27 should be used when dermatitis is specifically linked to substances taken internally, as opposed to contact dermatitis (L23) which is due to external exposure. Careful documentation of the patient's history and the specific substance involved is crucial for accurate coding.

What documentation supports L27?

Documentation should include a detailed patient history, including any recent medications or dietary changes, clinical findings from skin examinations, and any diagnostic tests performed to identify the causative agent.