2025 ICD-10-CM code L29
Pruritus (itching)
Medical necessity for treatment of pruritus is established by the presence of the symptom and its impact on the patient's quality of life.Treatment of the underlying cause is medically necessary when it is identifiable and treatable.
Clinicians are responsible for identifying the underlying cause of pruritus, which may involve a detailed history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing. Treatment focuses on managing the underlying condition and providing symptomatic relief from itching.
In simple words: Pruritus is simply an itch that makes you want to scratch.
Pruritus is defined as an unpleasant sensation of the skin that provokes the urge to scratch.It is a common symptom of various skin conditions and systemic diseases.
Example 1: A patient presents with localized pruritus on their hands and feet after exposure to poison ivy. The diagnosis is allergic contact dermatitis (L23), but the symptom of itching is coded with L29., A patient with chronic kidney disease (N18.9) experiences generalized pruritus related to uremia. The underlying kidney disease is coded N18.9, and the associated pruritus is coded L29.89 (Other pruritus)., A patient experiences itching in the anal region. After examination, the physician diagnoses pruritus ani, which is coded as L29.0.
Documentation should describe the location, character, and severity of the pruritus, along with any associated skin findings.It is crucial to document the underlying cause, if known, or any diagnostic testing performed to determine the etiology.
** Excludes1: neurotic excoriation (L98.1) psychogenic pruritus (F45.8)
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Dermatology, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Nephrology, Allergy and Immunology
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Inpatient Hospital, etc. (depending on the context and the underlying condition)