2025 ICD-10-CM code L60.4
Beau's lines are horizontal depressions or ridges across the fingernails or toenails, indicating interrupted nail growth due to illness, injury, or other medical conditions.
Medical necessity is determined by the underlying cause of Beau's lines. Treatment of the underlying condition is medically necessary if it poses a risk to the patient's health or well-being.
Diagnosis and treatment of the underlying condition causing Beau's lines, which may involve various medical specialists depending on the cause (e.g., dermatologists, infectious disease specialists, oncologists).
In simple words: Beau's lines are horizontal grooves or ridges on your nails. They happen when something stops your nails from growing normally, like an illness or injury.
Beau's lines are transverse, horizontal depressions or ridges that appear on the nail plate. They result from a temporary interruption of nail growth at the nail matrix due to various factors, including systemic illnesses, infections, injuries, malnutrition, or certain medical treatments like chemotherapy. The distance of the lines from the nail bed can help estimate the time of the causative event, as nails grow approximately 1 mm every 6-10 days.
Example 1: A patient presents with Beau's lines on all fingernails following a recent high fever and severe illness diagnosed as pneumonia., A patient undergoing chemotherapy develops Beau's lines on several fingernails and toenails., A patient with a history of uncontrolled diabetes exhibits Beau's lines, indicating potential vascular complications affecting nail growth.
Detailed medical history, including recent illnesses, injuries, medications, and nutritional status. Physical examination of the nails, noting the number, depth, and location of Beau's lines.Additional diagnostic tests may be necessary to determine the underlying cause, such as blood tests, skin biopsies, or imaging studies.
- Specialties:Dermatology, Primary Care, Internal Medicine, Oncology, Infectious Disease
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital,Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home, Telehealth Provided Other than in Patient’s Home