Freckles
ICD-10 L81.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of freckles.
Freckles, or ephelides, are small, flat, brownish spots that appear on sun-exposed areas of the skin, particularly in individuals with lighter skin tones. They are caused by an increase in melanin production, often triggered by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sun exposure. Freckles are typically harmless and do not indicate any underlying health issues. The condition is most commonly seen in children and young adults, with a tendency to fade in winter months and darken during summer due to increased sun exposure. Anatomically, freckles are located in the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, where melanocytes, the cells responsible for pigment production, are concentrated. While freckles themselves do not progress into more serious skin conditions, they can serve as a marker for increased sun exposure, which may elevate the risk for skin cancers over time. Diagnostic considerations include visual examination, and in some cases, dermatoscopy may be employed to differentiate freckles from other pigmented lesions such as lentigines or melanoma. It is essential for healthcare providers to educate patients about sun protection to prevent the development of new freckles and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
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
L81.2 specifically covers freckles (ephelides), which are benign pigmented lesions resulting from sun exposure. It does not cover other forms of hyperpigmentation or skin lesions.
L81.2 should be used when documenting freckles specifically, particularly when differentiating from other conditions like lentigines (L81.1) or other acquired hyperpigmentation (L81.3).
Documentation should include a thorough patient history, a description of the lesions, and any relevant sun exposure history. Photographic evidence may also support the diagnosis.
