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ICD-10 Coding for Irritant Contact Dermatitis(L24.0, L24.4, L24.A)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Irritant Contact Dermatitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

ICDNon-allergic Contact Dermatitis

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Irritant Contact Dermatitis

L24Primary Range

Irritant contact dermatitis

This range covers all forms of irritant contact dermatitis, including specific irritants like detergents, oils, and friction.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
L24.0Irritant contact dermatitis due to detergentsUse when dermatitis is confirmed to be caused by detergent exposure.
  • History of detergent exposure
  • Erythematous plaques on affected area
L24.4Irritant contact dermatitis due to drugs in contact with skinUse when dermatitis is due to topical drug application.
  • Linear erythema under drug application site
  • Negative patch testing
L24.AIrritant contact dermatitis due to friction or body fluidsUse for dermatitis caused by friction or body fluids.
  • Erythema and maceration at friction sites
  • History of frequent contact with body fluids

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for irritant contact dermatitis

Essential facts and insights about Irritant Contact Dermatitis

The ICD-10 code for irritant contact dermatitis is L24.x, with subcodes like L24.0 for detergents.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for irritant contact dermatitis

L24.0
Irritant contact dermatitis due to detergents
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient reports using new detergent without gloves

Applicable To

  • Detergent exposure

Excludes

  • Allergic contact dermatitis (L23.x)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • History of detergent exposure
  • Erythematous plaques on affected area

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification with allergic contact dermatitis

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies detergent as the irritant.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

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

Adverse effect of topical corticosteroids

T49.5X5A
Use when dermatitis is due to topical corticosteroids.

Differential Codes

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

Allergic contact dermatitis due to detergents

L23.0
Positive patch test and delayed reaction.

Allergic contact dermatitis due to drugs

L23.4
Positive patch test and delayed hypersensitivity.

Allergic contact dermatitis due to other specified agents

L23.8
Positive patch test and specific allergen identified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Irritant Contact Dermatitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L24.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Include specific irritant and exposure details, Document negative patch test results

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement due to unspecified coding., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health data.

Mitigation Strategy

Specify the irritant and use the appropriate subcode.

Impact

Audits may target cases where L24.9 is used despite known irritants.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the irritant and context.

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 Irritant Contact Dermatitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Irritant Contact Dermatitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Occupational exposure to cleaning agents

Specialty: Occupational Medicine

Required Elements

  • Exposure history
  • Physical findings
  • Test results

Example Documentation

Patient reports new-onset burning sensation on hands within 4hrs of handling alkaline cleaning solution (pH 12.3) at workplace. Physical exam shows gloved distribution erythema with superficial erosions. Alkaline skin pH testing positive (9.8). Safety audit confirms lack of chemical-resistant gloves in supply room.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Hand rash
Good Documentation Example
Well-demarcated erythema on volar wrists matching watchband position; patient wears nickel-plated fitness tracker daily
Explanation
The good example provides specific location, potential irritant, and context.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Irritant Contact Dermatitis? Ask your questions below.

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