Learn about Cherry Angioma (Senile Angioma, Campbell de Morgan Spots) diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding, and healthcare best practices. This comprehensive guide covers identifying, documenting, and coding C for Cherry Angiomas in medical records. Find information on differential diagnosis, treatment options, and relevant ICD-10 codes for accurate clinical documentation and billing. Understand the common signs, symptoms, and prevalence of Cherry Angiomas in healthcare settings.
Also known as
Hemangioma and lymphangioma, skin and subcutaneous tissue
Covers benign vascular tumors of the skin, including cherry angiomas.
Other diseases of capillaries
Includes other specified capillary disorders, potentially relevant depending on context.
Other specified disorders of skin and subcutaneous tissue
A general category for skin conditions not classified elsewhere, suitable if more specific codes don't fit.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the diagnosis confirmed as a Cherry Angioma, Senile Angioma, or Campbell de Morgan spot?
Yes
Is there ulceration or inflammation?
No
Do not code as cherry angioma. Review clinical documentation for alternative diagnosis.
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Bright red, raised skin growth. |
| Spider-like veins, central red dot. |
| Pinpoint flat red spots, non-blanching. |
Coding Cherry Angioma requires specific site documentation. Unspecified locations lead to claim rejections and inaccurate data.
Accurate differentiation from similar-appearing malignant lesions is crucial for correct coding and appropriate treatment.
Documenting size and number of lesions impacts medical necessity for certain procedures and influences statistical data.
Q: How can I differentiate cherry angiomas from other similar-appearing vascular lesions like petechiae, spider angiomas, or melanoma in a clinical setting?
A: Differentiating cherry angiomas from other vascular lesions requires careful clinical evaluation. Cherry angiomas typically present as bright red, dome-shaped papules that blanch with pressure. Unlike petechiae, they are not flat and do not typically indicate a bleeding disorder. Spider angiomas, while also red, have a central arteriole with radiating capillaries, a feature absent in cherry angiomas. Crucially, melanoma can sometimes mimic a cherry angioma, especially if pigmented. Atypical features such as irregular borders, asymmetry, color variation, rapid growth, bleeding, or ulceration warrant further investigation, potentially including dermoscopy and biopsy. Consider implementing a standardized skin examination protocol to ensure thorough assessment and accurate diagnosis. Explore how dermoscopy can aid in the differentiation of vascular lesions.
Q: What are the recommended management strategies for cherry angiomas, including when to consider intervention and the most effective treatment options for different clinical presentations?
A: Cherry angiomas are generally benign and require no treatment. However, intervention may be sought for cosmetic reasons or if the lesion bleeds frequently due to irritation. Treatment options include cryotherapy, electrocautery, laser therapy (e.g., pulsed dye laser), and shave excision. The optimal treatment modality depends on the lesion's size, location, and patient preference. For example, cryotherapy is often preferred for smaller lesions, while laser therapy may be more suitable for larger or multiple angiomas. Shave excision provides a tissue sample for histopathological examination if diagnostic uncertainty exists. Learn more about the various treatment modalities and their respective advantages and disadvantages to tailor your approach to individual patient needs.
Patient presents with a cutaneous vascular lesion consistent with a cherry angioma. Examination reveals a small, bright red, dome-shaped papule located on [location on body]. The lesion is asymptomatic and measures approximately [size] mm in diameter. Differential diagnosis includes spider angioma, venous lake, and petechiae. Based on the clinical presentation and morphology, the diagnosis of cherry angioma (also known as senile angioma or Campbell de Morgan spot) is made. No treatment is indicated at this time as the lesion is benign. Patient education was provided regarding the natural history of cherry angiomas and reassurance was offered. Follow-up is not required unless the lesion changes in size, shape, or color. ICD-10 code I78.1 (Nevus, non-neoplastic) is appropriate for medical billing and coding purposes. SNOMED CT code 2720005 (Cherry angioma) can be used for enhanced clinical documentation and EHR interoperability. This benign vascular lesion is common in adults and typically increases in number with age. No further workup is necessary at this time.