2025 ICD-10-CM code L50
Urticaria. Excludes1: allergic contact dermatitis (L23.-), angioneurotic edema (T78.3), giant urticaria (T78.3), hereditary angio-edema (D84.1), Quincke's edema (T78.3), serum urticaria (T80.6-), solar urticaria (L56.3), urticaria neonatorum (P83.8), urticaria papulosa (L28.2), urticaria pigmentosa (D47.01).
Medical necessity for treatment of urticaria is based on the severity of symptoms and their impact on the patient's quality of life. Treatment may range from over-the-counter antihistamines to prescription medications and may require referral to a specialist for chronic or severe cases.
Clinicians are responsible for accurately diagnosing the type of urticaria, identifying the underlying cause if possible, assessing the severity of the reaction, and providing appropriate treatment and management.This includes distinguishing urticaria from other skin conditions, evaluating the need for emergency care in cases of severe reactions like anaphylaxis, and providing patient education on managing their condition.
- 12 Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99)
- Urticaria and erythema (L49-L54)Excludes1: Lyme disease (A69.2-), rosacea (L71.-)
In simple words: Hives are raised, itchy bumps on your skin that can be red and swollen. They can be triggered by allergies, infections, medicines, or things like cold or pressure.They can be different sizes and shapes and show up anywhere on your body.
Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin condition characterized by the development of itchy wheals or welts on the skin, sometimes accompanied by angioedema (swelling of the deeper layers of the skin).It can be triggered by various factors, including allergic reactions, infections, medications, and physical stimuli like cold or pressure. The size and shape of the hives can vary, and they can appear anywhere on the body.
Example 1: A 25-year-old female presents with sudden onset of itchy, raised welts all over her body after eating shellfish.She has no difficulty breathing.Diagnosis: L50.0 Allergic urticaria., A 40-year-old male experiences recurring episodes of hives, with no identifiable trigger.The episodes last for several days and then resolve spontaneously. Diagnosis: L50.1 Idiopathic urticaria., A child develops hives after playing in the cold. Diagnosis: L50.2 Urticaria due to cold and heat.
Documentation should include the type of urticaria, location and description of the hives (size, shape, distribution), presence or absence of angioedema, associated symptoms (itching, burning, swelling), any identified triggers (foods, medications, insect stings, etc.), and the patient's response to treatment.
- Specialties:Allergy and Immunology, Dermatology, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics
- Place of Service:Office, Emergency Room - Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home, Telehealth Provided Other than in Patient’s Home