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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL73.9

L73.9

Billable

Follicular disorder, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L73.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of follicular disorder, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Follicular disorder, unspecified, refers to a group of skin conditions characterized by abnormalities in hair follicles, which may lead to various dermatological manifestations. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as hair loss, follicular hyperkeratosis, or the formation of papules and pustules. The anatomy involved primarily includes the hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and surrounding skin structures. Disease progression can vary; some conditions may be chronic and recurrent, while others may resolve spontaneously. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination, patient history, and potentially skin biopsies to rule out other follicular disorders such as folliculitis, keratosis pilaris, or alopecia. The unspecified nature of L73.9 indicates that while the follicular disorder is recognized, the specific etiology or type has not been determined, necessitating further investigation to establish a definitive diagnosis.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires differentiation from other follicular disorders.
  • Treatment complexity: Treatment may vary based on the underlying cause, which is often unclear.
  • Documentation requirements: Requires detailed clinical notes to justify the unspecified diagnosis.
  • Coding specificity: Limited specificity may lead to challenges in accurately capturing the condition.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misuse of related codes due to lack of specificity.
  • Documentation gaps: Insufficient clinical details may lead to denials.
  • Billing challenges: Unclear diagnosis can complicate reimbursement processes.

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

Follicular disorders can significantly impact patient quality of life, leading to psychological distress and social stigma, particularly in cases of visible hair loss or skin lesions. Understanding the epidemiology of these conditions is crucial for healthcare providers, as they can affect diverse populations. Effective management and accurate coding can improve healthcare utilization patterns and contribute to better population health outcomes by facilitating appropriate treatment and follow-up care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Follicular disorders can significantly impact patient quality of life, leading to psychological distress and social stigma, particularly in cases of visible hair loss or skin lesions. Understanding the epidemiology of these conditions is crucial for healthcare providers, as they can affect diverse populations. Effective management and accurate coding can improve healthcare utilization patterns and contribute to better population health outcomes by facilitating appropriate treatment and follow-up care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and to maintain accurate coding practices to avoid audits and ensure proper payment for services rendered.

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 L73.9?

L73.9 encompasses a range of follicular disorders that do not fit into more specific categories. This may include conditions like folliculitis, keratosis pilaris, and other unspecified follicular abnormalities that affect hair follicles without a clear diagnosis.

When should L73.9 be used instead of related codes?

L73.9 should be used when the clinician has identified a follicular disorder but cannot specify the exact type or cause. It is important to document the clinical findings that led to this classification to support the use of this code.

What documentation supports L73.9?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical history, physical examination findings, and any diagnostic tests performed. Notes should clearly outline the symptoms and the rationale for using the unspecified code, including any differential diagnoses considered.