Learn about impetigo diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (L01), treatment, and healthcare guidelines. This resource provides information on bullous impetigo, non-bullous impetigo, ecthyma, and related skin infections for medical professionals, coders, and patients seeking accurate and reliable information. Find details on symptoms, causes, and differential diagnosis for effective impetigo management and coding compliance.
Also known as
Impetigo
Bacterial skin infection characterized by sores and blisters.
Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
Infections affecting the skin's surface and underlying layers.
Other bacterial diseases
Bacterial infections not classified elsewhere, including skin infections.
Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
Encompasses a wide range of skin conditions including infections and inflammatory issues.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the impetigo confirmed?
Yes
Is it bullous impetigo?
No
Do not code impetigo. Code the presenting symptoms.
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Honey-colored crusted skin sores |
Ringworm (Tinea corporis) |
Folliculitis (bacterial) |
Coding nonbullous/bullous impetigo as unspecified (L01) without proper documentation creates audit risks and impacts reimbursement.
Missing documentation of MRSA status for impetigo (L01.01-) leads to coding errors and inaccurate infection tracking.
Lack of anatomical site detail when coding impetigo complicates data analysis and potentially impacts severity assignment.
Patient presents with characteristic honey-colored crusted lesions consistent with a clinical diagnosis of impetigo. The lesions are primarily located on the patient's face, around the nose and mouth, with some involvement of the chin. Surrounding skin exhibits mild erythema. Onset of symptoms reported as approximately three days ago, initially presenting as small vesicles that rapidly progressed to pustules and subsequently ruptured, forming the current honey-crusted appearance. Patient denies fever, chills, or systemic symptoms. No regional lymphadenopathy noted. Differential diagnosis includes eczema, contact dermatitis, and herpes simplex infection. Based on the clinical presentation and morphology of the lesions, impetigo is the most likely diagnosis. Treatment plan includes topical mupirocin ointment applied to affected areas three times daily for seven days. Patient education provided regarding hygiene practices, including handwashing and avoiding touching the affected areas. Follow-up appointment scheduled in one week to assess treatment response. ICD-10 code L01.0 assigned for impetigo, non-bullous, face. Medical billing codes will reflect the evaluation and management service provided as well as the dispensed medication. Prognosis is excellent with appropriate topical antibiotic treatment.