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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL66.4

L66.4

Billable

Folliculitis ulerythematosa reticulata

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L66.4 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of folliculitis ulerythematosa reticulata.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Folliculitis ulerythematosa reticulata is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by the presence of follicular papules and plaques, primarily affecting the face, neck, and upper trunk. It is often associated with a history of folliculitis or acneiform eruptions. The condition arises from the inflammation of hair follicles, leading to the formation of keratin plugs and subsequent scarring. Clinically, patients may present with skin changes that include erythematous papules, hyperpigmentation, and a reticular pattern of scarring. The condition can progress over time, leading to significant cosmetic concerns and psychological distress. Diagnosis is typically made through clinical examination, and in some cases, a biopsy may be performed to rule out other conditions such as acne vulgaris or other follicular disorders. Differential diagnoses include other forms of folliculitis, such as bacterial or fungal infections, and conditions like lichen planus. Treatment options may include topical retinoids, corticosteroids, and other anti-inflammatory agents, but management can be challenging due to the chronic nature of the disease.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

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

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors include misclassification with other follicular disorders.
  • Documentation gaps may arise from insufficient detail in clinical notes regarding the chronicity and treatment history.
  • Billing challenges may occur due to the need for prior authorizations for certain treatments.

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

Folliculitis ulerythematosa reticulata can significantly impact patients' quality of life due to its chronic nature and potential for scarring. Understanding its epidemiology is crucial, as it may affect a subset of the population with a history of acne or folliculitis. Awareness of this condition can lead to better management strategies, reducing healthcare utilization and improving patient outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Folliculitis ulerythematosa reticulata can significantly impact patients' quality of life due to its chronic nature and potential for scarring. Understanding its epidemiology is crucial, as it may affect a subset of the population with a history of acne or folliculitis. Awareness of this condition can lead to better management strategies, reducing healthcare utilization and improving patient outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement may depend on demonstrating medical necessity for treatments such as topical retinoids or corticosteroids. Common denials may occur if the documentation does not clearly establish the chronicity or if the treatment is not supported by clinical guidelines. Best practices include maintaining thorough clinical notes and ensuring that all relevant information is included in the claim submission.

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 L66.4?

L66.4 specifically covers folliculitis ulerythematosa reticulata, which is characterized by chronic follicular inflammation and scarring. It is important to differentiate this from other forms of folliculitis and skin disorders that may present similarly.

When should L66.4 be used instead of related codes?

L66.4 should be used when the clinical presentation aligns with folliculitis ulerythematosa reticulata, particularly when there is a chronic inflammatory process with scarring. It is distinct from acute folliculitis or other non-scarring follicular conditions.

What documentation supports L66.4?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical history, description of the lesions, treatment history, and any diagnostic tests performed. A biopsy report may also be beneficial to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.