2025 ICD-10-CM code L50.9
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Dermatology - Urticaria Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99) Feed
Urticaria, unspecified;an itchy skin rash with wheals (hives).
Medical necessity for coding L50.9 is established by the presence of clinically significant urticaria symptoms that require medical attention and appropriate management.Documentation should support the diagnosis and justify the level of care provided.This means clear symptoms that warrant medical intervention based on severity and the impact it has on daily living.
The clinical responsibility for diagnosing and managing L50.9 includes conducting a thorough history and physical examination to identify potential triggers,performing necessary allergy testing if indicated, and determining the need for treatment.This may range from simple reassurance and self-care advice to prescription of antihistamines or other medications.In cases of severe or widespread urticaria or angioedema, more aggressive intervention might be required.
In simple words: This code describes hives (urticaria), which are itchy, raised, red bumps on the skin.The cause isn't known in this case, but hives can be caused by allergies, infections, or stress.They usually go away on their own.
L50.9, Urticaria, unspecified, is an ICD-10-CM code representing a skin condition characterized by the appearance of wheals (hives) – itchy, raised, red areas on the skin.These wheals result from localized swelling in the upper dermis caused by increased capillary permeability. The etiology is often unclear (unspecified), but potential causes include allergic reactions (e.g., to food, drugs, or insect bites), infections, or stress.The condition is usually transient, with wheals appearing and disappearing.This code is used when a more specific type of urticaria cannot be identified or documented.
Example 1: A patient presents with widespread, intensely itchy hives of unknown origin.No specific allergen or trigger is identified. L50.9 is used to code this case of unspecified urticaria., A patient with a history of various allergies develops hives after eating shellfish. However, the exact allergic reaction to specific components is not specified. The provider documents urticaria, with no further specificity, and L50.9 is used for coding., A patient experiences recurrent episodes of hives, but the exact causes remain elusive despite thorough investigation.The provider documentsurticaria with no identification of underlying causes, therefore L50.9 is used.
Complete documentation of the patient's presentation should include details of the rash's appearance (location, size, distribution), symptom duration and severity, presence or absence of angioedema, any associated symptoms (e.g., respiratory distress, hypotension), and results of any investigations performed (e.g., allergy testing).
** While L50.9 is for unspecified urticaria, thorough documentation is crucial for accurate coding.The clinician should specify whether the urticaria is acute, chronic, or recurrent, and should document any relevant associated findings, such as angioedema.Detailed descriptions of the eruption's morphology can help distinguish urticaria from other similar conditions.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Allergy and Immunology, Dermatology
- Place of Service:Office, Urgent Care Facility, Emergency Room - Hospital, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital