2025 ICD-10-CM code L65
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue - Disorders of skin appendages (L60-L75) Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99) Feed
Other nonscarring hair loss. Use additional code for adverse effect, if applicable.
No specific modifiers are typically used with L65; however, modifiers may be necessary depending on the specific context or payer guidelines. Always refer to the latest coding guidelines from the relevant payer and the American Medical Association.
Medical necessity for coding L65 is established based on a thorough clinical evaluation demonstrating the presence of nonscarring hair loss.The diagnosis must be based on sufficient clinical findings and relevant tests to rule out other conditions causing hair loss and justify the diagnosis of "other nonscarring hair loss."Documentation should support the absence of other causes and the presence of hair loss itself.
The clinical responsibility falls on dermatologists or other healthcare professionals managing hair loss conditions. A thorough history, physical examination, and possibly further investigations (such as blood tests or scalp biopsy) would be necessary to determine the underlying cause.
In simple words: This code describes hair loss that doesn't leave scars and isn't caused by pulling out hair (trichotillomania). If the hair loss is due to a medicine, a separate code will be used to note this.
This ICD-10-CM code classifies other types of nonscarring hair loss.It is essential to use an additional code to specify any drug-induced adverse effect, using codes T36-T50 with the fifth or sixth character as 5.This code excludes trichotillomania (F63.3).
Example 1: A 45-year-old female patient presents with diffuse hair thinning, not associated with scarring or hair pulling.Physical exam and bloodwork are unremarkable.Diagnosis: Other nonscarring hair loss (L65)., A 60-year-old male patient reports gradual hair loss after starting a new medication for hypertension. The hair loss is diffuse and not associated with any skin lesions.Diagnosis: Other nonscarring hair loss (L65) and adverse effect of medication (T36-T50.5 with appropriate 5th digit specifying medication)., A 28-year-old female presents with generalized hair thinning, no scarring.She reports recent significant stress. Further investigation is needed to determine the underlying cause. Diagnosis: Other nonscarring hair loss (L65), possibly related to stress.
Complete patient history including medication use, family history of hair loss, details on onset and progression of hair thinning, and results of any diagnostic tests performed (e.g., blood tests, scalp biopsy). Physical examination findings should be documented thoroughly, including description of hair texture, density, and presence of any scalp abnormalities.
** The clinical picture can be quite varied, and thorough documentation is crucial for accurate coding and reimbursement.If the hair loss is a symptom of another condition (such as hormonal imbalances or autoimmune diseases), those conditions would be coded separately. Always check the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines for updates and clarifications.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Dermatology
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Clinic