2025 ICD-10-CM code L25
(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
Unspecified contact dermatitis; inflammation of the skin caused by contact with an unknown substance.
Modifiers may be used depending on the circumstances of the encounter.Refer to the official coding guidelines for specific modifier usage.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of a clinically significant skin reaction consistent with contact dermatitis, with uncertainty as to the causative agent. Documentation should support the clinical findings.The absence of identification of the substance causing the skin reaction supports the use of L25.
Diagnosis and management of skin conditions.Performing a thorough history and physical examination to identify potential causes.May involve patch testing if the cause remains uncertain. Treatment may include topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, and other medications depending on the severity of the reaction. Patient education on avoidance of potential irritants is important.
In simple words: This code means you have a skin rash or irritation from touching something, but doctors don't know what it was.
Unspecified contact dermatitis (L25) is a diagnosis code in the ICD-10-CM classification system. It refers to inflammation of the skin resulting from contact with a substance, where the specific substance is not identified.This code encompasses various reactions, ranging from mild irritation to severe inflammation, and should only be used when the causative agent remains unknown.It is crucial to differentiate this from specified types of contact dermatitis (allergic, irritant), which have their own codes.
Example 1: A patient presents with a widespread rash after working in a garden, but is unable to identify any specific plant that may have caused it. The doctor uses L25 to code the condition since the exact cause cannot be determined., A patient develops a localized reaction on their hand after handling an unknown cleaning product.The rash shows redness and some blistering, but the exact composition of the cleaning product is not known.L25 is used because the cause remains unidentifiable., A child develops a facial rash following exposure to a new laundry detergent at daycare. The parents cannot specify which specific chemical caused the reaction. The physician applies code L25 since the causative agent is unidentified.
A detailed history of the patient's exposure to potential irritants, including time of onset of symptoms, location and appearance of lesions, any known allergies or sensitivities, a description of the rash, and any treatment administered are needed for accurate coding.If the causative agent is later identified, the code should be changed to a more specific code.
** L25 is a general code and should be used cautiously.Attempt to obtain as much information as possible regarding potential causative agents to ensure accurate coding.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Dermatology, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Clinic, Hospital, Urgent Care