2025 ICD-10-CM code L50.1
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Dermatology - Urticaria Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99) Feed
Idiopathic urticaria is a type of hives (urticaria) with an unknown cause.
Medical necessity for the diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic urticaria is established by the presence of chronic, recurrent urticaria that significantly impacts the patient’s quality of life, interferes with daily activities, or fails to respond to self-treatment.Documentation should support the chronicity, severity, and lack of response to less intensive measures.
The clinical responsibility for managing idiopathic urticaria involves a thorough history taking to exclude identifiable triggers. A detailed physical exam is crucial to rule out other dermatological conditions.Appropriate laboratory tests might be ordered. Depending on symptom severity and patient response, treatment may include antihistamines, corticosteroids, or other immunomodulatory therapies. Patient education and regular follow-up are integral aspects of care.
In simple words: Idiopathic urticaria, or hives with an unknown cause, is a skin condition causing itchy, raised welts.It's diagnosed when doctors can't find a specific reason for the hives.
Idiopathic urticaria, coded as L50.1 in the ICD-10-CM system, refers to chronic urticaria where no specific cause can be identified.It is characterized by the appearance of itchy wheals or hives on the skin, often accompanied by angioedema (swelling beneath the skin).The condition is classified under Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, specifically within the subcategory of urticaria.Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation and exclusion of other potential causes through thorough history and physical examination.
Example 1: A 35-year-old female presents with widespread, intensely itchy hives for the past six months.No clear trigger is identified, and allergy testing is negative.She is diagnosed with idiopathic urticaria., A 60-year-old male reports recurrent episodes of urticaria for several years, with no known allergies or exposures. Physical examination reveals angioedema alongside hives.After ruling out other potential causes, idiopathic urticaria is the most likely diagnosis., A 20-year-old presents with chronic urticaria that has not responded to over-the-counter antihistamines. Detailed history and physical examination fail to identify a cause.Idiopathic urticaria is diagnosed, and the patient is started on a more potent antihistamine.
Complete history and physical examination, including allergy testing (if indicated), detailed description of rash characteristics, response to treatment, and exclusion of other possible etiologies should be documented.
** The diagnosis of idiopathic urticaria is one of exclusion.Thorough investigation is necessary to rule out other potential causes before assigning this code.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Dermatology, Allergy and Immunology
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient), Urgent Care