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ICD-10 Coding for Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia(L66.12)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

FFAScarring Alopecia of the Frontal Hairline

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

L66.1-L66.9Primary Range

Cicatricial alopecia

This range includes codes for scarring alopecia, with L66.12 specifically for frontal fibrosing alopecia.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for frontal fibrosing alopecia

Essential facts and insights about Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

The ICD-10 code for frontal fibrosing alopecia is L66.12, used for confirmed scarring alopecia with frontal hairline recession.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for frontal fibrosing alopecia

Frontal fibrosing alopecia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Biopsy confirms lichenoid infiltrate and follicular destruction.

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed description of hairline recession and trichoscopy findings.

Applicable To

  • Band-like recession of the frontal hairline
  • Eyebrow loss associated with FFA

Excludes

  • Non-scarring alopecia
  • Alopecia areata

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Biopsy showing perifollicular lymphocytic infiltrate and fibrosis
  • Trichoscopy findings of absent follicular openings and perifollicular scaling

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing with non-scarring alopecia codes
  • Incorrectly coding as unspecified cicatricial alopecia

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies scarring and characteristic hairline recession.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Other pruritus

L29.8
Use for documenting associated pruritus symptoms.

Scar conditions and fibrosis of skin

L90.5
Use when documenting scarring features.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Alopecia areata

L63.8
Presence of exclamation mark hairs and non-scarring hair loss.

Androgenetic alopecia

L64.9
Preservation of follicular ostia and absence of inflammation.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L66.12.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis risk due to lack of detail., Regulatory: Potential non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use detailed descriptions of hair loss patterns., Include biopsy and trichoscopy results.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure biopsy and trichoscopy findings confirm scarring alopecia.

Impact

Lack of detailed documentation of scarring features.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure biopsy and trichoscopy findings are documented.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Diagnosis of FFA in dermatology clinic

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

  • History of hair loss
  • Physical exam findings
  • Trichoscopy results
  • Biopsy confirmation

Example Documentation

45-year-old female with 2-year history of progressive frontal hairline recession. Exam: 3 cm symmetric band of scarring alopecia with perifollicular erythema. Trichoscopy: No follicular ostia, peripilar casts. Biopsy: Lichenoid interface dermatitis. Assessment: FFA (L66.12).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Hair thinning at front of scalp.
Good Documentation Example
4 cm symmetric scarring alopecia of frontal hairline with trichoscopic absence of follicular ostia; biopsy confirms lichen planopilaris pattern.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on the location, trichoscopy findings, and biopsy results, supporting the diagnosis and coding.

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