2025 ICD-10-CM code L50.2
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Dermatology - Urticaria and erythema Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99) Feed
Urticaria due to cold and heat exposure.
The medical necessity for coding L50.2 is established when a patient presents with a clinically significant reaction to cold or heat exposure manifesting as urticaria. The severity of the reaction and the potential impact on the patient's daily life should be considered.For severe or recurrent cases, further investigations and specialist consultation may be medically necessary.
Diagnosis and management of urticaria, including determining the cause (cold/heat exposure), assessment of severity, and treatment planning.This may include supportive care, medication (antihistamines, etc.), or referral to a specialist for severe or recurrent cases.
In simple words: This code is for hives (raised, itchy bumps on the skin) caused by being in either hot or cold temperatures.Hives are usually red and bumpy, and can go away on their own, but sometimes you may need medicine.
This ICD-10-CM code classifies urticaria (hives) specifically triggered by exposure to cold or heat.Urticaria is characterized by the appearance of itchy wheals (raised, red, and often swollen areas) on the skin.The reaction is a localized increase in vascular permeability, resulting in dermal edema. This code excludes other forms of urticaria with different etiologies, such as allergic, idiopathic, or those caused by other factors.Accurate diagnosis requires a thorough patient history and physical examination.
Example 1: A patient presents with widespread hives after spending several hours in a very cold environment (e.g., ice skating). The onset of the hives was immediate upon exposure to the cold., A patient reports experiencing intensely itchy wheals following prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during a heatwave.The symptoms developed gradually and worsened over the afternoon., A patient with a known history of cold urticaria develops a severe reaction after accidentally touching a frozen food item.They experience significant swelling of the affected area along with the generalized hives.
A detailed history including the timing, duration, and circumstances of exposure to cold or heat.A complete physical exam documenting the location, extent, and characteristics of the hives.The use of any medications or treatments.Photography of the skin lesions can be helpful for documentation and follow-up.
** Differentiate this code from other types of urticaria by carefully documenting the causative factor (cold or heat) and excluding other possible etiologies.The temporal relationship between the exposure and the onset of urticaria is crucial for accurate coding.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Dermatology, Allergy and Immunology, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Urgent Care Facility, Emergency Room - Hospital, Inpatient Hospital