2025 ICD-10-CM code L23.9
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Skin Disease - Dermatitis and eczema (L20-L30) Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99) Feed
Allergic contact dermatitis, unspecified cause.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the encounter and the services provided. Consult the appropriate modifier guidelines.
The medical necessity for coding L23.9 is established by the patient's presentation with symptoms consistent with allergic contact dermatitis, requiring diagnosis and management.The uncertainty regarding the specific allergen doesn't negate the medical need for assessment and treatment.
Diagnosis and management of allergic contact dermatitis, including determining the possible allergen through history, physical examination, and potentially allergy testing. Treatment might include topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, or other allergy management strategies.
In simple words: This code is for a skin rash caused by an allergy to something that doctors haven't been able to identify yet.
This code represents allergic contact dermatitis where the specific allergen is unknown.It is used when a patient presents with symptoms consistent with allergic contact dermatitis but the causative agent cannot be identified.The term dermatitis and eczema are used synonymously and interchangeably in this block.
Example 1: A patient presents with a pruritic, erythematous rash on their hands after handling a new cleaning product. The specific ingredient causing the reaction is unknown, so L23.9 is used., A patient develops a widespread rash after wearing a new type of jewelry.Patch testing is inconclusive, resulting in the use of L23.9 to bill for the encounter., A child presents with an itchy rash on their face, suspected to be from an environmental allergen, but tests are inconclusive.The physician uses L23.9 due to the lack of identifiable allergen.
Detailed history of symptom onset, description of rash morphology (location, size, color, texture), pertinent negatives regarding known allergens, results of any allergy testing performed, treatment plan.
** When possible, attempt to specify the allergen using more precise ICD-10-CM codes. If the allergen is identified later, consider supplemental coding or documentation changes.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Allergy and Immunology, Dermatology
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Clinic