Cicatricial alopecia, unspecified
ICD-10 L66.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cicatricial alopecia, unspecified.
Cicatricial alopecia, unspecified, refers to a group of hair loss disorders characterized by the replacement of hair follicles with scar tissue, leading to permanent hair loss. Clinically, patients may present with patches of hair loss, which can be associated with inflammation, redness, and sometimes pain or itching. The scalp is the most commonly affected area, but cicatricial alopecia can also occur on other hairy regions of the body. The disease progression can vary; some patients may experience rapid hair loss, while others may have a more gradual onset. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, patient history, and may include scalp biopsies to confirm the presence of scarring and to rule out other conditions such as alopecia areata or tinea capitis. Diagnostic considerations also include evaluating for underlying autoimmune diseases or infections that may contribute to the condition. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent further hair loss and to manage any underlying causes effectively.
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
L66.9 covers unspecified cicatricial alopecia, which may include various forms of scarring alopecia without specific identification of the underlying cause. This can include conditions like discoid lupus erythematosus, lichen planopilaris, and other inflammatory scalp disorders that lead to scarring.
L66.9 should be used when the specific type of cicatricial alopecia is not determined or documented. If a more specific diagnosis is available, such as L66.0 for follicular occlusion, that code should be used to enhance specificity.
Documentation should include a detailed patient history, clinical examination findings, and any diagnostic tests performed, such as scalp biopsies. Clear notes on the absence of identifiable causes or specific types of cicatricial alopecia are essential to justify the use of L66.9.
