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2025 ICD-10-CM code L23.3

Allergic contact dermatitis due to drugs in contact with skin.

Code L23.3 should be used when the allergic contact dermatitis is confirmed to be caused by a drug applied to the skin.If the dermatitis is due to an ingested drug, use codes L27.0-L27.1. If the cause is uncertain, use L25.9 for contact dermatitis NOS or L30.9 for dermatitis NOS.Do not use L23.3 with codes for irritant contact dermatitis (L24.-).

Medical necessity is established by the presence of signs and symptoms consistent with allergic contact dermatitis, such as itching, redness, swelling, and rash, and a clear temporal relationship between the application of a topical medication and the onset of symptoms.Allergy testing can further support the diagnosis.

Diagnosis and management of allergic contact dermatitis caused by topical medications, including identifying the causative agent, providing appropriate treatment (e.g., topical corticosteroids, antihistamines), and educating the patient on avoidance strategies.

In simple words: Skin inflammation due to an allergic reaction from touching certain medications.

Allergic contact dermatitis resulting from skin contact with drugs or medications, causing inflammation.Use additional code for adverse effect, if applicable, to identify drug (T36-T50 with fifth or sixth character 5).

Example 1: A patient presents with itchy, red rash on their hands after applying a new topical antibiotic cream. Patch testing confirms an allergy to the antibiotic, and L23.3 is used for billing., A patient develops a widespread rash after using a corticosteroid ointment for several weeks.Allergy testing reveals sensitivity to the corticosteroid, and the diagnosis is coded as L23.3., A postoperative patient experiences a localized skin reaction to a medicated dressing. Upon further investigation, it is determined to be an allergic contact dermatitis due to the medication in the dressing, and L23.3 is used.

Detailed history of topical medication use, description of the rash (location, appearance, duration), results of any allergy testing (patch testing), and response to treatment.

** Excludes1: allergy NOS (T78.40), contact dermatitis NOS (L25.9), dermatitis NOS (L30.9)Excludes2: dermatitis due to substances taken internally (L27.-), dermatitis of eyelid (H01.1-), diaper dermatitis (L22), eczema of external ear (H60.5-), irritant contact dermatitis (L24.-), perioral dermatitis (L71.0), radiation-related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L55-L59)

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