Dermatographic urticaria
ICD-10 L50.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of dermatographic urticaria.
Dermatographic urticaria, also known as skin writing, is a form of physical urticaria characterized by the development of wheals or hives on the skin following minor trauma or scratching. Clinically, it presents as raised, itchy welts that appear within minutes of skin stimulation, typically lasting for a short duration. The condition is believed to be due to the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells in response to mechanical stimuli. The skin involved includes the epidermis and dermis, where mast cells are predominantly located. Disease progression can vary; while some patients experience sporadic episodes, others may have persistent symptoms. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history and physical examination, often supplemented by a dermographism test, where the skin is lightly scratched to observe the reaction. It is essential to differentiate dermatographic urticaria from other forms of urticaria and skin disorders, as treatment and management strategies may differ significantly.
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
L50.3 specifically covers dermatographic urticaria, which is characterized by wheals that develop in response to skin stimulation. It does not cover other forms of urticaria or skin conditions.
L50.3 should be used when the patient exhibits symptoms of dermatographic urticaria specifically, as opposed to other urticaria types such as chronic idiopathic urticaria (L50.1) or acute urticaria (L50.0).
Documentation should include a detailed patient history, description of symptoms, results from any diagnostic tests (like the dermographism test), and treatment responses to support the diagnosis of dermatographic urticaria.
