2025 ICD-10-CM code L88
Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare condition characterized by painful ulcers on the skin, often on the legs.
Medical necessity for treatment is established by the presence of characteristic ulcers causing significant pain or impairment, confirmed by clinical examination and appropriate diagnostic workup to exclude other conditions. The presence of associated systemic diseases may further support medical necessity.
Diagnosis and treatment are typically managed by dermatologists, often in consultation with other specialists depending on associated conditions. Clinicians are responsible for accurate diagnosis, which often involves excluding other conditions, and developing an appropriate treatment plan based on the severity and type of pyoderma gangrenosum.
- 12 Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99)
- Other disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L80-L99)
In simple words: Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare skin condition that causes painful sores, most often on the legs. It's not contagious but may be linked to problems with the immune system.
Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare inflammatory skin disease characterized by the formation of painful pustules or nodules that progress into ulcers, often with a bluish or violaceous border. These ulcers can vary in size and depth and are typically located on the legs but can occur on other parts of the body. The condition is often associated with underlying systemic diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease or arthritis, and may be triggered by trauma to the skin.
Example 1: A 45-year-old patient with a history of ulcerative colitis presents with a painful, enlarging ulcer on their lower leg with a purplish border, consistent with classic pyoderma gangrenosum., A 30-year-old patient with rheumatoid arthritis develops multiple small pustules on their arms that progress to shallow ulcers, suggestive of pustular pyoderma gangrenosum., A 60-year-old patient develops a non-healing ulcer at the site of a recent surgical incision, raising suspicion for pyoderma gangrenosum triggered by pathergy.
Documentation should include detailed descriptions of the ulcers (size, depth, location, appearance), presence of any associated symptoms (pain, fever), patient history (including any underlying conditions or recent trauma), and any diagnostic tests performed to rule out other conditions.
** Pyoderma gangrenosum is not infectious or contagious. The exact cause is unknown, but it is suspected to be an autoimmune disorder. Pathergy, the development of new lesions at sites of trauma, is a characteristic feature.
- Specialties:Dermatology, Gastroenterology (if associated with inflammatory bowel disease), Rheumatology (if associated with arthritis), Hematology (if associated with blood disorders)
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Inpatient Hospital