2025 ICD-10-CM code L65.0
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue - Disorders of skin appendages Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99) Feed
Telogen effluvium is a type of hair loss characterized by the premature shedding of hairs in the telogen (resting) phase.
No specific modifiers are typically used with L65.0, as it's a diagnostic code.
Medical necessity for evaluation and treatment of telogen effluvium is established when the patient presents with significant hair shedding affecting quality of life, and when there is need to rule out underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the hair loss. The clinical evaluation determines further management and the need for interventions (such as medication or nutritional changes) if indicated.
The clinical responsibility for diagnosing and managing telogen effluvium typically falls upon dermatologists or primary care physicians.A thorough history, physical examination, and possibly laboratory tests are needed to determine the underlying cause of the hair loss and to guide appropriate treatment.
In simple words: Telogen effluvium is a common type of hair loss where more hairs than usual fall out. This happens because many hair follicles enter a resting phase earlier than expected.It's often temporary and the hair usually grows back once the reason for the hair loss is dealt with.
L65.0, Telogen effluvium, is an ICD-10-CM code representing a type of nonscarring hair loss.It's characterized by the premature entry of a large number of hair follicles into the telogen (resting) phase, resulting in diffuse shedding.This condition can be triggered by various factors, including stress, hormonal changes, illness, medication, or nutritional deficiencies. The hair loss is typically diffuse, meaning it affects the entire scalp, and is often temporary, with hair regrowth occurring once the underlying cause is addressed.
Example 1: A 35-year-old female patient presents with diffuse hair shedding following childbirth.She reports significant stress and fatigue. Diagnosis: L65.0 Telogen effluvium secondary to postpartum stress., A 60-year-old male patient undergoing chemotherapy for colon cancer experiences significant hair loss.The oncologist notes that the hair loss is a side effect of the treatment. Diagnosis: L65.0 Telogen effluvium secondary to chemotherapy., A 22-year-old female patient reports significant hair shedding after a severe viral illness. She recovered from the illness but continues to experience excessive hair loss. Diagnosis: L65.0 Telogen effluvium secondary to acute illness.
Detailed patient history documenting triggers (stress, illness, medication, nutritional deficiencies, etc.), physical examination findings showing diffuse hair shedding, and potentially lab results (CBC, thyroid function tests) to rule out other conditions are needed for proper coding.
** Further investigation may be required to identify and treat the underlying cause of telogen effluvium.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable; this is a diagnostic code.
- Specialties:Dermatology, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, other