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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL73.8

L73.8

Billable

Other specified follicular disorders

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L73.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified follicular disorders.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L73.8 refers to 'Other specified follicular disorders,' which encompasses a variety of conditions affecting the hair follicles. These disorders can manifest as inflammation, obstruction, or abnormal growth of hair follicles, leading to various dermatological symptoms. Clinically, patients may present with lesions, papules, pustules, or cysts on the skin, particularly in areas with a high density of hair follicles such as the scalp, face, and trunk. The anatomy involved primarily includes the epidermis, dermis, and the hair follicle structure itself. Disease progression can vary; some conditions may be acute and self-limiting, while others can become chronic and lead to scarring or secondary infections. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination, patient history, and potentially skin biopsies to differentiate between various follicular disorders such as folliculitis, keratosis pilaris, or follicular occlusion syndrome. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

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

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors
  • Documentation gaps
  • Billing challenges

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

The clinical significance of L73.8 lies in its potential to affect patient quality of life, particularly if the follicular disorder leads to discomfort or cosmetic concerns. Understanding the epidemiology of these conditions can inform public health strategies and improve healthcare utilization patterns. Monitoring and addressing follicular disorders can contribute to better overall skin health and reduce the burden of dermatological diseases in the population.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of L73.8 lies in its potential to affect patient quality of life, particularly if the follicular disorder leads to discomfort or cosmetic concerns. Understanding the epidemiology of these conditions can inform public health strategies and improve healthcare utilization patterns. Monitoring and addressing follicular disorders can contribute to better overall skin health and reduce the burden of dermatological diseases in the population.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations may vary based on the payer, and providers should ensure that all relevant clinical information is included in the claim. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity. Best practices include maintaining thorough records of patient encounters, treatment plans, and follow-up care to support the coding and billing process.

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 L73.8?

L73.8 includes conditions such as follicular occlusion syndrome, non-infectious folliculitis, and other less common follicular disorders that do not have a specific code. These conditions may present with similar symptoms but require careful clinical evaluation for accurate diagnosis.

When should L73.8 be used instead of related codes?

L73.8 should be used when the specific follicular disorder does not fit into the defined categories of other codes like L73.0 or L73.1. It is essential to document the clinical findings that support the use of this code, ensuring that the condition is indeed specified as 'other.'

What documentation supports L73.8?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical history, physical examination findings, and any diagnostic tests performed. Photographic evidence of lesions may also support the diagnosis. Clear notes on the clinical rationale for selecting L73.8 over other codes are crucial.