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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesQ81.9

Q81.9

Billable

Epidermolysis bullosa, unspecified

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 Q81.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of inherited disorders characterized by fragile skin that blisters easily in response to minor trauma or friction. The condition arises from mutations in genes responsible for the structural integrity of the skin. There are several types of EB, including simplex, junctional, and dystrophic, each with varying severity and clinical manifestations. Patients may present with skin lesions, scarring, and complications such as infections and nutritional deficiencies due to difficulty in feeding. The unspecified designation indicates that the specific type of EB has not been determined, which can complicate management and prognosis. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care are crucial for improving quality of life and preventing complications. Genetic counseling is often recommended for affected families to understand inheritance patterns and risks for future pregnancies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of the condition.
  • Need for genetic testing to confirm diagnosis and type.
  • Potential for associated comorbidities that may complicate coding.
  • Documentation must specify the type of EB when known.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the specific type of EB.
  • Failure to document associated conditions or complications.
  • Misclassification of EB type leading to incorrect coding.
  • Lack of genetic testing results in the medical record.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Pediatric documentation should include growth parameters, feeding difficulties, and skin assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include management of blistering episodes, nutritional support, and infection prevention.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of developmental milestones and psychosocial impacts on affected children.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic documentation should include family history, results of genetic testing, and counseling notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Genetic counseling for families, prenatal testing discussions, and interpretation of genetic test results.

Billing Considerations

Understanding inheritance patterns and implications for family planning.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Q81.9 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding congenital conditions, ensuring specificity in documentation and coding based on clinical findings and genetic testing results

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Q81.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for routine follow-up visits for management of epidermolysis bullosa.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's history, examination findings, and management plan.

Specialty Considerations

Pediatricians should focus on growth and development, while geneticists should emphasize genetic counseling.

15100CPT Code

Skin grafting, first 100 sq cm

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is needed for severe scarring or contractures.

Documentation Requirements

Document the extent of the grafting area and the reason for surgery.

Specialty Considerations

Surgeons should provide detailed operative notes.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of epidermolysis bullosa, enabling better tracking of the condition and its variants. This specificity aids in research and improves patient care by allowing for tailored treatment plans.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of epidermolysis bullosa, enabling better tracking of the condition and its variants. This specificity aids in research and improves patient care by allowing for tailored treatment plans.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of epidermolysis bullosa, enabling better tracking of the condition and its variants. This specificity aids in research and improves patient care by allowing for tailored treatment plans.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association
  • •
    National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association
  • •
    National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the importance of specifying the type of epidermolysis bullosa?

Specifying the type of epidermolysis bullosa is crucial for determining the appropriate management strategies, understanding the prognosis, and providing accurate genetic counseling for affected families.

How can genetic testing impact the management of epidermolysis bullosa?

Genetic testing can confirm the diagnosis, identify the specific type of EB, and inform treatment decisions. It also provides valuable information for family planning and understanding recurrence risks.