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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL73.0

L73.0

Billable

Acne keloid

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L73.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acne keloid.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acne keloid, also known as keloidal acne, is a dermatological condition characterized by the formation of keloids in areas affected by acne lesions. Clinically, it presents as raised, firm, and often itchy scars that develop in response to inflammation from acne. The condition primarily affects individuals with a predisposition to keloid formation, often seen in darker skin types. The pathophysiology involves an abnormal healing response where excessive collagen is produced during the repair of acne lesions, leading to hypertrophic scars. The progression of acne keloid can vary; while some patients may experience localized keloids, others may develop multiple lesions over time. Diagnosis is typically clinical, based on the appearance of the scars and the patient's history of acne. Differential diagnoses include other forms of keloids and hypertrophic scars, necessitating careful evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other skin disorders. Treatment options may include intralesional corticosteroid injections, surgical excision, or laser therapy, depending on the severity and extent of the keloids.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires differentiation from other scar types.
  • Treatment complexity: Involves various treatment modalities with variable outcomes.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical history and treatment response must be documented.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to capture the specific nature of the condition.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of keloids as hypertrophic scars.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records of treatment history and patient response.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to lack of specificity in documentation.

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

Plastic Surgery

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

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Acne keloid can significantly impact patients' quality of life, leading to psychological distress and social stigma due to visible scarring. The condition is more prevalent in individuals with darker skin tones, highlighting the need for targeted awareness and treatment strategies. Understanding the epidemiology of acne keloid can help healthcare providers improve management approaches and enhance patient outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Acne keloid can significantly impact patients' quality of life, leading to psychological distress and social stigma due to visible scarring. The condition is more prevalent in individuals with darker skin tones, highlighting the need for targeted awareness and treatment strategies. Understanding the epidemiology of acne keloid can help healthcare providers improve management approaches and enhance patient outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement may vary based on the complexity of treatment and the payer's policies. Common denials can occur if documentation does not clearly support the diagnosis or if the treatment provided is not adequately justified. Coders should ensure that all relevant details are included in the medical record to support the use of L73.0 and any associated CPT codes.

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 L73.0?

L73.0 specifically covers acne keloid, which is characterized by keloid formation following acne lesions. It does not include other types of keloids or hypertrophic scars that are not related to acne.

When should L73.0 be used instead of related codes?

L73.0 should be used when the patient presents with keloids specifically resulting from acne lesions. If the scars are hypertrophic but not keloidal, or if they arise from other causes, different codes should be selected.

What documentation supports L73.0?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical history of acne, descriptions of the keloidal lesions, treatment history, and any previous interventions. Photographic evidence may also be beneficial.