Urticaria
Chapter 12:Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
ICD-10 L50 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of urticaria.
Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin condition characterized by the sudden appearance of raised, itchy welts on the skin. These welts can vary in size and may appear anywhere on the body. The condition arises from the release of histamine and other chemicals from mast cells in the skin, leading to localized swelling and inflammation. Urticaria can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for six weeks or longer. The underlying causes can include allergic reactions to food, medications, insect stings, or environmental factors, as well as non-allergic triggers such as stress or temperature changes. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough patient history, physical examination, and sometimes allergy testing to identify potential triggers. Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms, often utilizing antihistamines, corticosteroids, or other medications to reduce inflammation and itching. Understanding the anatomy involved, primarily the skin and its vascular components, is crucial for effective management and treatment of this condition.
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
L50 covers various forms of urticaria, including acute urticaria, chronic urticaria, and physical urticaria, which may be triggered by specific stimuli such as pressure, temperature, or sunlight.
L50 should be used when the primary diagnosis is urticaria without specific underlying causes. If a specific etiology is identified, such as an allergic reaction, a more specific code may be warranted.
Documentation should include a detailed patient history, identification of potential triggers, results of any allergy tests, and a record of treatment responses to substantiate the diagnosis of urticaria.
