2025 ICD-10-CM code L24.4
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Dermatology - Irritant contact dermatitis Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99) Feed
Irritant contact dermatitis due to drugs contacting the skin.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the context of service and the specific circumstances of the encounter. Consult the appropriate modifier guidelines for details.
Medical necessity for coding L24.4 is established when the documentation supports a direct causal relationship between the topical application of a drug or medication and the resulting skin irritation or inflammation.The condition must be significant enough to warrant medical attention and intervention.
The clinical responsibility for this code lies with dermatologists or healthcare professionals who assess and treat skin conditions.The assessment would include a thorough patient history, physical examination, and possibly patch testing to identify the causative agent. Treatment might involve removing the offending agent and managing symptoms with topical corticosteroids or other appropriate treatments.
In simple words: This code means that a person's skin has become inflamed and irritated because of contact with a medicine or drug applied directly to the skin. The irritation is not an allergic reaction but a direct response to the substance.
L24.4, Irritant contact dermatitis due to drugs in contact with the skin, signifies inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with irritating medications or drugs.The condition is characterized by skin irritation and inflammation resulting from direct topical exposure to certain medications. This is distinct from allergic contact dermatitis (L23.-), which involves an allergic reaction rather than direct irritation.The severity of symptoms can vary widely.
Example 1: A patient presents with an inflamed rash on their hands after repeatedly applying a topical antibiotic cream for a bacterial infection.The rash is not an allergic reaction but is directly caused by the irritation of the cream. Code L24.4 is used., A patient develops a localized area of skin irritation on their face after using a new acne medication containing salicylic acid. The irritation subsides after discontinuation of the medicine. Code L24.4 is used., A patient receiving chemotherapy develops a skin reaction at the site of injection, due to the irritation caused by the chemotherapy drug. The reaction is not an allergic reaction. Code L24.4 is appropriate.
** If the irritant contact dermatitis is related to an underlying condition, consider coding the underlying condition in addition to L24.4.Always consider the complete clinical picture when assigning ICD-10-CM codes.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier is not typically applicable to this diagnostic code.
- Specialties:Dermatology
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Urgent Care Facility, other relevant settings where dermatological services are provided.