ICD-10 Coding for Lichen Planus(L43.9, L43.0, L43.2)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Lichen Planus. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Lichen Planus
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| L43.9 | Lichen planus, unspecified | Use when lichen planus is diagnosed but not further specified. |
|
| L43.0 | Hypertrophic lichen planus | Use when hypertrophic lesions are present. |
|
| L43.2 | Lichen planus due to drugs and medicines | Use when a drug is identified as the cause. |
|
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 lichen planus
Essential facts and insights about Lichen Planus
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for lichen planus
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of characteristic skin lesions without specific subtype identification.
Applicable To
- Generalized lichen planus
Excludes
- Lichen planopilaris (L66.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Presence of pruritic, polygonal, violaceous papules
- Biopsy showing band-like lymphocytic infiltrate
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of under-documentation if specific type is not noted.
Coding Notes
- Ensure to specify if oral involvement is present.
L43.0 - Hypertrophic lichen planus
Use when hypertrophic lesions are present.
Applicable To
- Thickened, hyperkeratotic plaques
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Biopsy showing hyperkeratosis and acanthosis
- Clinical observation of thickened plaques
Coding Notes
Document specific lesion characteristics.
L43.2 - Lichen planus due to drugs and medicines
Use when a drug is identified as the cause.
Applicable To
- Drug-induced lichenoid eruption
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Temporal relationship with drug intake
- Resolution upon drug discontinuation
Coding Notes
Ensure drug causality is clearly documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Other diseases of oral soft tissues
K13.79Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Psoriasis
L40.5Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Lichen Planus to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L43.9.
Impact
Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient condition., Regulatory: Potential audit failure., Financial: Loss of reimbursement for drug-related conditions.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document drug name and relationship.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Use K13.79 for oral involvement.
Impact
Failure to document drug causality can lead to audits.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure comprehensive documentation of drug history.
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 Lichen Planus, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Lichen Planus
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Lichen Planus. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
General dermatology consultation
Specialty: DermatologyRequired Elements
- Lesion description
- Biopsy results
- Drug history
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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