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ICD-10 Coding for Telangiectasia(I78.0, I78.1, K55.21, K55.22)

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

Also known as:

Spider veinsAngioma serpiginosum

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Telangiectasia

I78.0-I78.1Primary Range

Diseases of capillaries

This range includes hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and other non-neoplastic telangiectasias.

Vascular disorders of intestine

This range is used for coding gastrointestinal telangiectasia with or without hemorrhage.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I78.0Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasiaUse when hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is confirmed by clinical criteria or genetic testing.
  • Epistaxis
  • Visceral AVMs
  • Family history
I78.1Non-neoplastic nevusUse for localized telangiectasia without hereditary or systemic features.
  • Exclusion of hereditary criteria
  • Site-specific documentation
K55.21Angiodysplasia of colon without hemorrhageUse when colonic telangiectasia is confirmed without active bleeding.
  • Endoscopic confirmation of vascular lesions
K55.22Angiodysplasia of colon with hemorrhageUse when colonic telangiectasia is confirmed with active bleeding.
  • Endoscopic visualization of bleeding lesions

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 hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia

Essential facts and insights about Telangiectasia

The ICD-10 code for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is I78.0, used when clinical criteria or genetic testing confirms the diagnosis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for telangiectasia

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of ≥3 Curaçao criteria

Applicable To

  • Osler-Weber-Rendu disease

Excludes

  • Non-hereditary telangiectasia (I78.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Epistaxis
  • Visceral AVMs
  • Family history

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification without genetic confirmation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports hereditary nature and systemic involvement.

Ancillary Codes

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

Family history of other specified conditions

Z83.89
Use when there is a family history of HHT.

Differential Codes

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

Non-neoplastic nevus

I78.1
Used for non-hereditary telangiectasia without systemic involvement.

Rosacea, unspecified

L71.9
Use for rosacea-associated telangiectasia with erythema.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Telangiectasia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I78.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates for documentation, Ensure all clinical criteria are recorded

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing may lead to denied claims, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation

Mitigation Strategy

Sequence K62.8 (rectum) → I78.1

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be rejected due to outdated coding, Compliance: Violation of current coding standards, Data Quality: Outdated data affecting clinical records

Mitigation Strategy

Use K55.21/K55.22 + I78.1

Impact

Incorrect sequencing or use of outdated codes

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on current coding guidelines and updates

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 Telangiectasia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Telangiectasia

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

Facial telangiectasia

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

  • Location
  • Morphology
  • Associated symptoms
  • Family history
  • Assessment

Example Documentation

Location: Nasolabial fold, bilateral Morphology: 2-4mm non-blanching telangiectatic vessels Associated symptoms: No epistaxis or GI bleeding Family history: Negative for HHT or AVMs Assessment: Primary facial telangiectasia (I78.1) Plan: PDL laser treatment scheduled

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Vascular lesions noted.
Good Documentation Example
Telangiectasia of the nasal mucosa with recurrent epistaxis (≥5 episodes/month).
Explanation
The good example specifies location, symptoms, and frequency, supporting accurate coding.

GI telangiectasia

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • EGD findings
  • Clinical correlation
  • Diagnosis

Example Documentation

EGD Findings: 3 angiodysplastic lesions in gastric antrum, non-bleeding Clinical correlation: No hematemesis/melena; Hb stable at 12.4 g/dL Diagnosis: Gastric angiodysplasia without hemorrhage (K31.89, I78.1)

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Possible HHT.
Good Documentation Example
Recurrent epistaxis, family history of AVMs. HHT criteria met (Curaçao).
Explanation
The good example provides detailed criteria supporting the HHT diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Telangiectasia? Ask your questions below.

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