2025 ICD-10-CM code L30.9
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Dermatitis and eczema - Other dermatitis XII Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue Feed
Dermatitis, unspecified; a general code for inflammation of the skin when the specific type is unknown.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the encounter and the specific services rendered.Consult appropriate coding guidelines.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of skin inflammation requiring diagnosis and management. Further investigations may be necessary to rule out serious conditions and determine appropriate treatment. Accurate documentation is essential to support medical necessity.
Diagnosis and treatment of skin inflammation.Further investigation may be required to determine the specific type of dermatitis.
In simple words: This code means the doctor diagnosed skin inflammation, but doesn't know the exact type.It's a general code used when more specific information about the skin problem is missing.
L30.9, Dermatitis, unspecified, is an ICD-10-CM code encompassing inflammatory skin conditions where the precise type cannot be determined.It's used when a more specific dermatitis code isn't applicable due to insufficient diagnostic information. This code falls under the broader category of dermatitis and eczema (L20-L30), encompassing a range of skin inflammatory disorders.The unspecified nature makes it crucial to document all clinical findings meticulously to support medical necessity.
Example 1: A patient presents with widespread redness, itching, and scaling on their skin.The cause is unclear after initial examination, and further testing is needed to determine the etiology. L30.9 would be used in this case until the specific diagnosis is established., A patient has a history of chronic skin irritation but no specific diagnosis.Due to limited information, L30.9 is used while awaiting additional diagnostic testing (e.g., allergy tests, skin biopsy)., An elderly patient with atopic dermatitis has developed an acute exacerbation with unspecified additional skin irritation.While the underlying atopic condition is known, the additional reaction is unclear without additional evaluation. L30.9 could represent the secondary reaction until further investigation establishes a more specific diagnosis.
Detailed description of the skin lesions (location, size, morphology, distribution). Complete patient history (including allergies, medications, environmental exposures). Results of any diagnostic tests performed (allergy testing, biopsies, cultures).Images of the affected areas. Treatment plan.
** This code should be used judiciously.Efforts should always be made to identify the specific type of dermatitis to ensure accurate coding and reimbursement.Incomplete documentation may result in claim denials.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Dermatology, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital, Clinic, Urgent Care