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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL27.9

L27.9

Billable

Dermatitis due to unspecified substance taken internally

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L27.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of dermatitis due to unspecified substance taken internally.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L27.9 refers to dermatitis due to an unspecified substance taken internally, which can manifest as an inflammatory skin condition resulting from the ingestion of various substances, including medications, food allergens, or toxins. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as erythema, pruritus, and vesicular lesions, which can vary in severity depending on the individual's sensitivity and the nature of the substance involved. The skin and subcutaneous tissues are primarily affected, with potential systemic involvement if the reaction is severe. Disease progression can lead to chronic dermatitis if the offending agent is not identified and eliminated. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history, physical examination, and possibly patch testing or laboratory investigations to rule out other dermatological conditions. It is essential to differentiate L27.9 from other dermatitis codes that specify the substance or route of exposure, as this can impact treatment and management strategies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

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

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors
  • Documentation gaps
  • Billing challenges

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

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Dermatitis due to unspecified substances can significantly impact patient quality of life and healthcare utilization, leading to increased visits to dermatologists and allergists. Understanding the epidemiology of such conditions is essential for public health, as it can guide preventive measures and improve patient outcomes. Quality measures may include tracking the incidence of dermatitis cases and the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing exposure to known allergens.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Dermatitis due to unspecified substances can significantly impact patient quality of life and healthcare utilization, leading to increased visits to dermatologists and allergists. Understanding the epidemiology of such conditions is essential for public health, as it can guide preventive measures and improve patient outcomes. Quality measures may include tracking the incidence of dermatitis cases and the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing exposure to known allergens.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement may be affected by the specificity of the diagnosis, so using more specific codes when available is recommended. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or lack of clarity in the patient's history. Best practices include thorough documentation of the clinical rationale for the diagnosis and any treatments provided, as well as ensuring that all coding aligns with the services rendered.

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 L27.9?

L27.9 covers dermatitis resulting from an unspecified internal substance, which may include reactions to medications, food, or environmental toxins. It does not specify the exact substance, making it essential to investigate the patient's history for accurate diagnosis.

When should L27.9 be used instead of related codes?

L27.9 should be used when the specific substance causing dermatitis is unknown or cannot be identified. If the substance is known, related codes such as L27.0 or L27.1 should be utilized for more accurate coding.

What documentation supports L27.9?

Documentation should include a detailed patient history, including any recent medications or dietary changes, physical examination findings, and any diagnostic tests performed. Clear notes on the clinical reasoning for using L27.9 are crucial.