2025 ICD-10-CM code L70.9

Acne, unspecified.

Code L70.9 should only be used when a more specific type of acne cannot be identified based on the available clinical documentation.Refer to ICD-10-CM guidelines for detailed coding instructions.

Medical necessity for acne treatment is determined by the impact on the patient's quality of life, the presence of pain or discomfort, the risk of scarring, and the failure of over-the-counter treatments. Documentation should support the severity of the acne and the chosen treatment approach.

Diagnosis and treatment of acne are typically managed by dermatologists or primary care physicians.Treatment options include topical creams, oral medications, and light therapy, depending on the severity and type of acne.

In simple words: This code refers to a common skin condition called acne, where oil glands and hair follicles get inflamed, leading to pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. It is commonly found on the face, chest, and back.

A disorder of the skin in which oil glands and hair glands become inflamed.Chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous apparatus marked by an increase in sebum secretions causing lesions most frequently occurring on the face, chest, and back; the inflamed glands may form small pink papules, which sometimes surround comedones (blackheads), or form pustules or cysts (whiteheads).

Example 1: A teenager presents with comedones, papules, and pustules across the face, with no specific type of acne identified. The physician documents "acne, unspecified," which is coded as L70.9., An adult patient has inflamed lesions on their chest and back consistent with acne, but further details are not documented to identify the specific type. In this instance, L70.9 is used., A patient with a history of acne vulgaris returns with a new breakout.The physician simply notes "acne" without further specifying the type. Since no subtype is specified L70.9 is the appropriate code.

Documentation should include the location and characteristics of the acne lesions (e.g., comedones, papules, pustules), the affected areas of the body, and any associated symptoms such as pain or itching. If no specific type of acne is identified, it should be clearly documented as "acne, unspecified."

** Excludes2: acne keloid (L73.0)

  • Payment Status: Active
  • Specialties:Dermatology, Family Medicine, Pediatrics
  • Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home, Telehealth Provided Other than in Patient’s Home
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