2025 ICD-10-CM code L24
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Dermatology - Dermatitis and eczema Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue Feed
Irritant contact dermatitis is a skin inflammation caused by direct contact with irritating substances.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the encounter (e.g., place of service, type of visit). Consult your payer’s guidelines for appropriate modifier use.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of clinically significant symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis, such as rash, itching, inflammation, or secondary infection.The diagnosis should be supported by appropriate clinical findings, including a history of exposure to a known irritant.
The clinical responsibility for diagnosing and managing irritant contact dermatitis falls upon a dermatologist or primary care physician.The physician's duties include performing a thorough history and physical examination, identifying the causative irritant, and recommending appropriate treatment, which may include topical corticosteroids, emollients, or other therapies to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
In simple words: Irritant contact dermatitis is a rash caused by touching something that irritates your skin, like strong soap or chemicals. It's not an allergy; it's a direct reaction to the irritant. The rash can be mild or severe, with redness, itching, or even blisters.
Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD-10-CM code L24) is an inflammatory reaction of the skin resulting from direct exposure to irritants.These irritants can include, but are not limited to, soaps, detergents, solvents, oils, greases, and certain chemicals. The reaction is non-immunologic, meaning it doesn't involve the body's immune system in the same way as allergic contact dermatitis.The severity can vary widely, from mild redness and itching to severe blistering and erosion.Specific subtypes may be coded with additional digits (e.g., L24.0 for detergent-induced irritant contact dermatitis).
Example 1: A construction worker develops a rash on his hands after prolonged exposure to cement dust.The diagnosis is irritant contact dermatitis, coded as L24.Treatment involves topical corticosteroids and avoidance of further exposure to cement dust., A patient presents with a widespread rash and erythema after using a new laundry detergent.The diagnosis is irritant contact dermatitis due to detergents (L24.0). Treatment consists of topical corticosteroids and changing laundry detergents., A patient with incontinence experiences a persistent diaper rash.This would be coded as L24, or possibly a more specific code if the cause can be further identified. Treatment involves barrier creams and hygiene measures.
Detailed history of exposure to potential irritants, including specific products used.A thorough physical examination documenting the location, extent, and severity of the rash.Photographs may be helpful in documenting the condition.In cases of severe reactions, laboratory tests may be necessary to rule out other conditions.
** Differentiating irritant contact dermatitis from other dermatologic conditions, especially allergic contact dermatitis (L23), is crucial for accurate coding and treatment planning.
- Revenue Code: Revenue codes will vary depending on the specific services provided and the payer. Consult your payer's guidelines.
- RVU: RVUs are not directly assigned to ICD-10 codes.Reimbursement is determined by the procedures and services performed, which will have associated RVUs depending on the payer's specific fee schedule.
- Global Days: Not applicable.This is a diagnostic code, not a procedural code with a global period.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.This is a diagnosis code, not a procedure code.
- Fee Schedule: Not applicable.ICD-10 codes are not directly associated with fee schedules. Reimbursement is determined by the services provided, which are coded using CPT or HCPCS codes.
- Specialties:Dermatology, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Urgent Care Facility, Emergency Room - Hospital, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital