2025 ICD-10-CM code F42.4
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Mental, Behavioral, and Neurodevelopmental Disorders - Anxiety, dissociative, stress-related, somatoform and other nonpsychotic mental disorders Chapter V: Mental and behavioural disorders Feed
Excoriation (skin-picking) disorder is a type of obsessive-compulsive and related disorder characterized by recurrent skin picking resulting in skin lesions.
Medical necessity for the diagnosis and treatment of excoriation disorder is established when the condition significantly impairs the individual's daily functioning, social interactions, or overall well-being, and when less intensive interventions have not provided adequate relief.
Diagnosis and treatment of excoriation disorder typically falls under the purview of a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professional.A dermatologist may be consulted to manage any resulting skin infections or complications.
- Chapter V: Mental and behavioural disorders
- F40-F48: Anxiety, dissociative, stress-related, somatoform and other nonpsychotic mental disorders
In simple words: Skin-picking disorder is a mental health condition where someone repeatedly picks at their skin, even when it hurts or causes sores. This picking is hard to stop and can lead to scars and infections.It's often helped with therapy and sometimes medication.
Excoriation (skin-picking) disorder, coded as F42.4 in ICD-10-CM, is a mental health condition classified under obsessive-compulsive and related disorders.It is characterized by the repetitive and compulsive picking of skin, leading to lesions, sores, scars, and potential infections. The etiology is unknown, but it may be associated with underlying conditions like depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders.Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation, patient history, and symptom presentation, aligning with DSM-5 criteria. Treatment options often include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, and pharmacotherapy such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Example 1: A 25-year-old female presents with recurrent skin picking on her face and arms, resulting in scabs and scarring. She reports feeling an irresistible urge to pick and experiences significant distress and impairment in her social life., A 16-year-old male is referred to a mental health clinic after his parents notice extensive skin picking on his legs, leading to bleeding and infection. He admits to feeling anxious and stressed., A 40-year-old woman with a history of depression seeks help for skin picking that exacerbates during periods of increased stress.She expresses shame and self-consciousness about the appearance of her skin.
Detailed history of skin-picking behavior, including frequency, duration, location, and methods used; assessment of associated symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive traits;physical examination of the skin to document lesions and their severity; mental status examination; documentation of treatment plan, including therapy sessions and medication.
** This information is for billing purposes only and should be used in conjunction with appropriate clinical documentation.Consult official coding guidelines and payer-specific instructions for accurate coding.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Psychiatry, Dermatology, Psychology
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient, etc.