2025 ICD-10-CM code L59.9
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue - Radiation-related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue Chapter 12: Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue Feed
Disorder of the skin and subcutaneous tissue related to radiation, unspecified.
Not applicable to ICD-10 codes. Modifiers are used with CPT and HCPCS codes.
Medical necessity for coding L59.9 is established by the presence of documented skin and subcutaneous tissue changes directly attributable to prior radiation therapy. The documentation must clearly link the skin condition to the radiation exposure. The severity of the skin condition should be documented to justify treatment provided.
The clinical responsibility for this code falls upon the physician or healthcare provider diagnosing and managing the patient's radiation-induced skin condition. This includes conducting a thorough examination, ordering appropriate investigations, and formulating a treatment plan tailored to the patient's specific needs.Documentation must support the diagnosis.
- Chapter 12: Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
- L55-L59 (Radiation-related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue)
In simple words: This code describes skin and tissue problems caused by radiation, but doesn't specify the exact problem.More information is needed for a precise diagnosis.
This ICD-10-CM code classifies disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue caused by radiation exposure, where the specific type of disorder is not specified.It encompasses a range of possible conditions resulting from radiation effects on the skin and underlying tissues. This code requires further specification to accurately reflect the specific clinical presentation.
Example 1: A patient who underwent radiotherapy for breast cancer presents with erythema and desquamation in the irradiated area.The specific type of radiation-induced skin reaction cannot be definitively determined, so L59.9 is assigned., A patient with a history of radiation exposure for lymphoma develops a chronic skin ulcer at the site of previous radiation.Because the exact type of skin ulcer is unclear, L59.9 is coded., A patient presents with nonspecific skin changes following radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Further investigation is needed for a definitive diagnosis, leading to the application of L59.9 until more is known.
Detailed clinical history of radiation exposure, including type of radiation, dosage, and dates.Complete physical examination documenting the location, extent, and severity of skin changes.Any supporting investigations, such as biopsies or imaging studies, should be documented.
** Accurate documentation is essential to ensure proper code assignment.If the specific radiation-induced skin disorder is known, a more specific code should be used instead of L59.9.This code is primarily used when the exact nature of the radiation-induced skin disorder cannot be determined with certainty.
- Revenue Code: Revenue codes will vary depending on the specific services provided and the healthcare setting.Consult your facility's revenue code mapping for appropriate selection.
- RVU: RVUs are not directly assigned to ICD-10 codes.RVUs are associated with procedures (CPT codes) and are dependent on factors such as geographical location, facility type, and payer.
- Global Days: Not applicable to ICD-10 codes. Global days are relevant to surgical procedures (CPT codes).
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable to ICD-10 codes.TC modifiers are used with CPT codes for professional and technical components.
- Fee Schedule: Not applicable to ICD-10 codes. Fee schedules are associated with procedure codes (CPT, HCPCS).
- Specialties:Dermatology, Oncology, Radiation Oncology
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient), Clinic,Other settings where dermatological or oncology services are provided.