ICD-10 Coding for Scarring Alopecia(L66.81, L66.12)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Scarring Alopecia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Scarring Alopecia
L66Primary Range
Cicatricial alopecia
This range includes all forms of scarring alopecia, which are characterized by permanent hair loss due to follicular destruction.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| L66.81 | Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia | Use when CCCA is confirmed by biopsy and trichoscopy. |
|
| L66.12 | Frontal fibrosing alopecia | Use when FFA is confirmed by clinical and biopsy findings. |
|
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 scarring alopecia
Essential facts and insights about Scarring Alopecia
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for scarring alopecia
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Vertex scarring with perifollicular erythema
documentation Criteria
- Biopsy confirmation of lymphocytic infiltrate
Applicable To
- CCCA
Excludes
- Non-scarring alopecia (L65.9)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Vertex/crown scarring
- Perifollicular erythema
- Biopsy confirmation
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification as non-scarring alopecia
Coding Notes
- Ensure biopsy and trichoscopy findings are documented.
L66.12 - Frontal fibrosing alopecia
Use when FFA is confirmed by clinical and biopsy findings.
Applicable To
- FFA
Excludes
- Androgenetic alopecia (L64.9)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Frontotemporal recession
- Perifollicular scaling
- Biopsy confirmation
Coding Notes
Document postmenopausal status and biopsy findings.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Other specified follicular disorders
L73.8Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Scarring Alopecia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L66.81.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Increases audit risk., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific clinical terms., Document biopsy and trichoscopy findings.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit and non-compliance., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Document specific clinical findings and biopsy results to support specific coding.
Impact
Using L66.9 instead of specific codes when criteria are met.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation supports specific code selection.
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 Scarring Alopecia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Scarring Alopecia
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Scarring Alopecia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Documenting Scarring Alopecia
Specialty: DermatologyRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Trichoscopy findings
- Biopsy results
- Clinical assessment
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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