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ICD-10 Coding for Skin Tag Removal(L91.8, L98.8)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Skin Tag Removal. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Acrochordon RemovalCutaneous Papilloma Removal

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Skin Tag Removal

L91-L99Primary Range

Other disorders of skin and subcutaneous tissue

This range includes codes for hypertrophic disorders of the skin, under which skin tags are categorized.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
L91.8Other hypertrophic disorders of the skinUse when skin tags are symptomatic, causing irritation or bleeding.
  • Documentation of skin tags causing irritation or bleeding
  • Photographic evidence of skin tags
L98.8Other specified disorders of skin and subcutaneous tissueUse when L91.8 is rejected or not applicable.
  • Use as an alternative if L91.8 is not accepted

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: How to code skin tag removal

Essential facts and insights about Skin Tag Removal

For skin tag removal, use ICD-10 code L91.8 for symptomatic cases and CPT codes 11200 and 11201 for procedural coding.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for skin tag removal

Other hypertrophic disorders of the skin
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of irritation or bleeding from skin tags

Applicable To

  • Skin tags

Excludes

  • Malignant skin lesions

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of skin tags causing irritation or bleeding
  • Photographic evidence of skin tags

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as a cosmetic procedure

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports medical necessity if not cosmetic.

Ancillary Codes

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

Rash and other nonspecific skin eruption

R21
Use when there is associated irritation.

Differential Codes

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

Hypertrophic scar

L91.0
L91.0 is used for hypertrophic scars, which are different from skin tags.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Skin Tag Removal to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L91.8.

Impact

Clinical: Lack of clarity on patient condition., Regulatory: Risk of non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific language in documentation, Include all relevant clinical details

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on procedures performed.

Mitigation Strategy

Use CPT 11200 for excision of skin tags, not destruction codes like 17110.

Impact

Lack of detailed documentation supporting medical necessity can lead to audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation includes specific symptoms and impacts on daily life.

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 Skin Tag Removal, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Skin Tag Removal

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Skin Tag Removal. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Removal of symptomatic skin tags

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

  • Number of skin tags
  • Location and size
  • Method of removal
  • Medical necessity

Example Documentation

Removed 12 skin tags from neck using snip excision due to irritation from clothing.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Removed skin tags.
Good Documentation Example
Removed 12 pedunculated skin tags (3–5 mm) from neck using sharp excision. Patient reported persistent irritation from collars.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on the number, size, method, and medical necessity.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Skin Tag Removal? Ask your questions below.

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