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L01.00
ICD-10-CM
Impetigo

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

School sores
Contagious pustular dermatitis

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : A common, contagious bacterial skin infection.
  • Clinical Signs : Red sores, honey-colored crusts, often around the nose and mouth.
  • Common Settings : Daycares, schools, contact sports, crowded living conditions.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC L01.00 Coding
L01.0-L01.9

Impetigo

Bacterial skin infection characterized by sores and blisters.

L00-L08

Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

Infections affecting the skin's surface and underlying layers.

A40-A49

Other bacterial diseases

Bacterial infections not classified elsewhere, including skin infections.

L00-L99

Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

Encompasses a wide range of skin conditions including infections and inflammatory issues.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Honey-colored crusted skin sores
Ringworm (Tinea corporis)
Folliculitis (bacterial)

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Impetigo diagnosis confirmation method documented (e.g., culture, PCR)
  • Description of lesions (e.g., honey-crusted, bullous, non-bullous)
  • Location of lesions (e.g., face, extremities, trunk)
  • Symptoms onset and duration documented
  • Associated symptoms, if any (e.g., pruritus, pain)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Impetigo Type

    Coding nonbullous/bullous impetigo as unspecified (L01) without proper documentation creates audit risks and impacts reimbursement.

  • Methicillin Resistance Coding

    Missing documentation of MRSA status for impetigo (L01.01-) leads to coding errors and inaccurate infection tracking.

  • Incorrect Site Specificity

    Lack of anatomical site detail when coding impetigo complicates data analysis and potentially impacts severity assignment.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document lesion morphology, location, size for accurate ICD-10 coding (L01.0).
  • Confirm diagnosis with gram stain, culture for optimal antibiotic stewardship.
  • Ensure proper hand hygiene documentation to meet infection control compliance.
  • Educate patients on hygiene, contact precautions to prevent impetigo spread.
  • Differentiate impetigo from other skin infections in CDI queries for specificity.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Honey-colored crusts present? ICD-10: L01
  • 2. Regional lymphadenopathy? Document size, tenderness.
  • 3. Recent skin trauma or insect bite? SNOMED CT: 428973005
  • 4. Bacterial culture if atypical presentation. Improve patient safety.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Impetigo reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 coding (L01.0-L01.9) and appropriate E/M coding for visit complexity.
  • Coding errors impact impetigo reimbursements, causing claim denials and revenue loss. Proper documentation is crucial.
  • Impetigo quality metrics track antibiotic prescribing rates and treatment efficacy, affecting hospital value-based payments.
  • Timely diagnosis and treatment of impetigo reduce complications and improve patient satisfaction scores.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code L01 for impetigo
  • Non-bullous? Add .0
  • Bullous? Add .1
  • Document lesion location
  • Confirm Staph/Strep if known

Documentation Templates

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.
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