ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL71.9

L71.9

Billable

Rosacea, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L71.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rosacea, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition primarily affecting the facial skin, characterized by facial flushing, persistent erythema, papules, pustules, and telangiectasia. The condition typically presents in adults, particularly those with fair skin, and can lead to significant psychosocial distress due to its visible symptoms. The pathophysiology of rosacea involves a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and immune dysregulation. Common triggers include sun exposure, hot beverages, spicy foods, and emotional stress. Disease progression can vary, with some patients experiencing mild symptoms while others may develop more severe manifestations, including rhinophyma, a thickening of the skin on the nose. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the skin and patient history. Differential diagnoses include acne vulgaris, seborrheic dermatitis, and lupus erythematosus, which must be ruled out through careful examination and, if necessary, laboratory tests. Treatment options include topical agents, oral antibiotics, and laser therapy, tailored to the severity and subtype of rosacea.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Moderate, as it requires clinical judgment to differentiate from similar conditions.
  • Treatment complexity: Moderate, as treatment regimens can vary based on severity and patient response.
  • Documentation requirements: Moderate, necessitating detailed patient history and symptom tracking.
  • Coding specificity: Medium, as L71.9 is a non-specific code that may require additional codes for accurate representation of the condition.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misuse of more specific rosacea codes when L71.9 is appropriate.
  • Documentation gaps: Lack of thorough patient history or symptom description.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to insufficient documentation supporting the diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary medical specialty: 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

Secondary specialty: 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

Rosacea affects a significant portion of the population, particularly adults aged 30-50, with a higher prevalence in women. The condition can lead to decreased quality of life due to its visible symptoms and associated psychosocial effects. Understanding rosacea's impact on population health is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes. Quality measures related to skin health and patient satisfaction are increasingly important in healthcare utilization patterns, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis and management of conditions like rosacea.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Rosacea affects a significant portion of the population, particularly adults aged 30-50, with a higher prevalence in women. The condition can lead to decreased quality of life due to its visible symptoms and associated psychosocial effects. Understanding rosacea's impact on population health is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes. Quality measures related to skin health and patient satisfaction are increasingly important in healthcare utilization patterns, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis and management of conditions like rosacea.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement may vary based on the severity of the condition and the specific treatments provided. Common denials can occur if the documentation does not clearly support the diagnosis or if the treatment is deemed not medically necessary. Coders should ensure that all relevant information is included in the medical record to support the use of L71.9 and any associated CPT codes. Best practices include using specific codes when applicable and maintaining clear communication with payers regarding treatment rationale.

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 L71.9?

L71.9 covers unspecified rosacea, which may include various forms of rosacea that do not fit into the more specific categories such as erythematotelangiectatic or papulopustular rosacea. It is used when the specific subtype is not documented or cannot be determined.

When should L71.9 be used instead of related codes?

L71.9 should be used when the specific subtype of rosacea is not documented or when the clinician has not specified the type. It is important to select more specific codes when the subtype is known to ensure accurate representation of the patient's condition.

What documentation supports L71.9?

Documentation should include a detailed patient history, clinical findings, and any treatments attempted. Photographic evidence of the skin condition may also support the diagnosis, along with notes on triggers and patient-reported symptoms.