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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL65.9

L65.9

Billable

Nonscarring hair loss, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L65.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nonscarring hair loss, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Nonscarring hair loss, unspecified (ICD-10 code L65.9) refers to a group of conditions characterized by hair loss that does not result in scarring of the scalp or hair follicles. This condition can manifest in various forms, including diffuse thinning, patchy hair loss, or gradual loss without inflammation. The anatomy involved primarily includes the hair follicles located in the dermal layer of the skin, which may be affected by various factors such as hormonal changes, stress, nutritional deficiencies, or underlying medical conditions. Disease progression can vary widely; some patients may experience transient hair loss that resolves spontaneously, while others may have persistent or recurrent episodes. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history, physical examination, and potentially laboratory tests to rule out underlying causes such as thyroid dysfunction or iron deficiency. A scalp biopsy may be necessary in atypical cases to differentiate nonscarring alopecia from scarring types. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires differential diagnosis to rule out other types of alopecia.
  • Treatment complexity: Management may involve topical treatments, systemic medications, or lifestyle modifications.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed patient history and examination findings are essential.
  • Coding specificity: Requires careful consideration to ensure the correct code is used based on the clinical scenario.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of nonscarring alopecia as scarring types.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete patient history or lack of supporting clinical evidence.
  • Billing challenges: Potential for denials if documentation does not clearly support the diagnosis.

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

Primary care

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

Nonscarring hair loss affects a significant portion of the population, impacting quality of life and psychological well-being. Understanding the epidemiology of this condition can help healthcare providers identify at-risk populations and implement preventive measures. Quality measures related to hair loss management can enhance patient outcomes and reduce healthcare utilization by promoting early intervention and appropriate treatment strategies.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Nonscarring hair loss affects a significant portion of the population, impacting quality of life and psychological well-being. Understanding the epidemiology of this condition can help healthcare providers identify at-risk populations and implement preventive measures. Quality measures related to hair loss management can enhance patient outcomes and reduce healthcare utilization by promoting early intervention and appropriate treatment strategies.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations may vary based on the payer, so it is crucial to verify coverage policies. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to provide a clear rationale for the diagnosis. Best practices include maintaining thorough records of patient evaluations, treatment plans, and follow-up visits to substantiate the medical necessity of 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 L65.9?

L65.9 encompasses various forms of nonscarring hair loss, including telogen effluvium, diffuse alopecia, and other unspecified types of hair loss that do not lead to scarring of the scalp.

When should L65.9 be used instead of related codes?

L65.9 should be used when the specific type of nonscarring hair loss is not clearly defined or when the clinical presentation does not fit the criteria for other specific codes such as L65.0 or L65.1.

What documentation supports L65.9?

Documentation should include a detailed patient history, physical examination findings, and any relevant laboratory results that support the diagnosis of nonscarring hair loss.