Learn about lentigines diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10-CM L81.4), differential diagnosis, and treatment options. This resource provides information for healthcare professionals on lentigo simplex, solar lentigines (age spots, liver spots), and other lentigine types. Explore the latest research, best practices, and clinical guidelines related to lentigines in dermatology and primary care settings.
Also known as
Lentigo
Refers to small, flat, brown macules on the skin.
Other pigmentary changes
Includes various skin pigmentation disorders not otherwise specified.
Other specified diseases of arteries and arterioles
This includes conditions like arteriolosclerosis which may present with lentigo-like changes in some cases.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Are the lentigines solar (sun-induced)?
Yes
Is it PUVA-induced?
No
Are they due to radiation?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Small, flat, brown spots on sun-exposed skin. |
| Larger, irregular brown spot, can be precursor to melanoma. |
| Freckles, small brown spots triggered by sun exposure. |
Coding lentigines without specifying the anatomical location (e.g., face, hand) leads to inaccurate coding and claims.
Miscoding solar lentigines (L57.0) as simple lentigines (L81.4) or vice-versa impacts reimbursement and data accuracy.
Insufficient clinical documentation to support the lentigines diagnosis leads to coding errors and potential audit issues.
Patient presents with lentigines, also known as liver spots or age spots. Examination reveals multiple well-demarcated, flat, brown macules varying in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. The lesions are primarily located on sun-exposed areas, including the face, hands, forearms, and shoulders. Patient reports no associated symptoms such as pain, itching, or bleeding. The patient's history includes significant sun exposure throughout their lifetime. Differential diagnosis includes solar lentigo, ephelides, melanocytic nevus, and melanoma. Based on clinical presentation and history, the diagnosis of lentigines is made. No concerning features suggestive of malignancy are noted. Patient education regarding sun protection, including the use of sunscreen with a high SPF, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure, was provided. Monitoring for changes in size, shape, color, or symptoms is recommended. No further treatment is indicated at this time. Follow-up is recommended as needed or if the patient notes any changes. ICD-10 code L81.4 is appropriate for this diagnosis.