2025 ICD-10-CM code L99
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders - Other disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99) Feed
This code signifies other disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue when the primary condition is another disease.
Modifiers are not typically used with ICD-10 codes.
Medical necessity for coding L99 is established when the documented skin condition is a direct consequence of a pre-existing medical condition.The medical records must clearly link the skin disorder to the underlying disease.Appropriate investigations and clinical findings support this linkage.
The clinical responsibility lies with the physician managing the underlying disease, and documenting the secondary skin manifestations. The dermatologist may be involved in management of the skin condition but the primary diagnosis must be coded first.
- Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99)
- L80-L99 (Other disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue)
In simple words: This code is for skin problems that happen because of another medical condition.The doctor will use a separate code for the main problem first, and then this code to describe the skin problem.
ICD-10-CM code L99, "Other disorders of skin and subcutaneous tissue in diseases classified elsewhere," is used to classify skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders that are secondary to another, more significant underlying condition.This code is applied when the primary diagnosis is a different disease (e.g., systemic disease causing skin manifestations) and the skin disorder is a secondary manifestation.It's crucial to code the underlying disease first, followed by code L99 to capture the skin manifestation.Examples of underlying diseases include amyloidosis, diabetes, syphilis, and others where skin conditions may be a secondary effect.
Example 1: A patient with diabetes mellitus (E11.9) presents with diabetic dermopathy (L98.1).The primary code would be E11.9, followed by L98.1 to accurately represent the skin manifestation related to diabetes., A patient with amyloidosis (E85.0) develops cutaneous amyloidosis (L99.0). The primary code should be E85.0, followed by L99.0 to reflect the skin involvement secondary to amyloidosis., A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (M32.0) presents with a malar rash (L93.0).The code for systemic lupus erythematosus (M32.0) should be listed first, followed by L93.0 to capture the skin manifestation of the systemic condition.
Documentation should clearly establish the underlying disease as the primary diagnosis and the skin condition as a secondary manifestation.This requires clear clinical notes specifying the relationship between the primary and secondary conditions.Diagnostic tests confirming both diagnoses are crucial for proper coding.
** Careful clinical documentation linking the skin condition to the underlying disease is crucial for accurate coding and reimbursement.Incorrect sequencing of codes may lead to claim denials.Always consult current ICD-10-CM coding guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable to ICD-10 codes.
- Specialties:Dermatology, Rheumatology, Internal Medicine, and other specialties managing the underlying disease.
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital Inpatient, Hospital Outpatient, other settings where the underlying condition is treated.