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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL87.9

L87.9

Billable

Transepidermal elimination disorder, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L87.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of transepidermal elimination disorder, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Transepidermal elimination disorder, unspecified, is a dermatological condition characterized by the abnormal shedding of skin cells through the epidermis, leading to various skin manifestations. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as erythema, scaling, and pruritus, which can vary in severity. The anatomy involved primarily includes the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, which plays a crucial role in barrier function and protection against environmental insults. Disease progression can be variable; some patients may experience acute episodes while others may have chronic manifestations. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination, patient history, and potentially skin biopsies to rule out other dermatological conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that while the condition is recognized, the specific etiology or subtype has not been determined, necessitating further investigation and monitoring to guide treatment options.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires differential diagnosis to rule out other skin disorders.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve topical therapies, systemic medications, or lifestyle modifications.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and patient history are essential for accurate coding.
  • Coding specificity: Unspecified code may lead to ambiguity in clinical documentation.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification with other skin disorders.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete patient history or lack of clinical findings.
  • Billing challenges: Potential for claim denials if documentation does not support the diagnosis.

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

Transepidermal elimination disorder, while less common, can significantly impact patient quality of life due to associated symptoms such as itching and discomfort. Understanding its epidemiology is crucial for healthcare providers, as it may affect a small but notable segment of the population. Quality measures related to skin health and patient-reported outcomes are essential in managing this condition, as they can influence healthcare utilization patterns and resource allocation in dermatology.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Transepidermal elimination disorder, while less common, can significantly impact patient quality of life due to associated symptoms such as itching and discomfort. Understanding its epidemiology is crucial for healthcare providers, as it may affect a small but notable segment of the population. Quality measures related to skin health and patient-reported outcomes are essential in managing this condition, as they can influence healthcare utilization patterns and resource allocation in dermatology.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include verifying that the diagnosis aligns with the services provided. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity. Best practices include regular training for coding staff on the nuances of dermatological coding and maintaining clear communication between providers and billing departments to ensure accurate claims submission.

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 L87.9?

L87.9 encompasses a range of transepidermal elimination disorders where the specific cause is not identified. This may include idiopathic cases or those related to environmental factors, but without a definitive diagnosis.

When should L87.9 be used instead of related codes?

L87.9 should be used when the clinician has determined that the patient exhibits symptoms consistent with transepidermal elimination disorder but has not identified a specific subtype or cause. If a more specific diagnosis is available, related codes should be utilized.

What documentation supports L87.9?

Documentation should include a comprehensive patient history, clinical examination findings, and any diagnostic tests performed. Detailed notes on the patient's symptoms, duration, and response to previous treatments are also critical.