Find information on lice infestation diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding, and healthcare guidance. Learn about pediculosis, head lice, body lice, pubic lice, nits, symptoms, treatment, ICD-10-CM codes (B85.0, B85.1, B85.2, B85.3, B85.4), SNOMED CT codes, and best practices for healthcare professionals. This resource offers support for accurate diagnosis and documentation of lice infestations in clinical settings.
Also known as
Pediculosis and phthiriasis
Infestation with lice, including head, body, and pubic lice.
Other infestations
Includes other arthropod infestations not classified elsewhere.
Prophylactic measures
Codes for prophylactic measures for various conditions, possibly including lice.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the lice infestation active?
Yes
Location of infestation?
No
History of lice infestation?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Head lice infestation |
| Body lice infestation |
| Pubic lice infestation |
Coding lice infestation without specifying the body site (head, body, pubic) leads to claim rejections and inaccurate data.
Confusing pediculosis capitis, corporis, and pubis can result in incorrect billing and skewed prevalence reporting.
Failing to code secondary infections or complications associated with lice infestation impacts reimbursement and quality metrics.
Q: How to differentiate between head lice infestation and other scalp conditions mimicking lice, such as seborrheic dermatitis or hair casts in a pediatric patient?
A: Differentiating head lice infestation from conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or hair casts requires careful examination. Live lice and nits firmly attached to the hair shaft close to the scalp are diagnostic of a true infestation. Seborrheic dermatitis presents with yellowish, greasy scales on the scalp, often with associated inflammation, while hair casts are cylindrical translucent sheaths that slide easily off the hair shaft. Microscopic examination can confirm the diagnosis of lice. Explore how dermoscopy can be a valuable tool in distinguishing between these conditions and facilitating prompt, appropriate treatment. Consider implementing standardized diagnostic protocols in your practice to ensure accurate identification of head lice infestation and avoid unnecessary treatment of other scalp disorders.
Q: What are the most effective evidence-based treatment strategies for head lice infestation, including topical and oral options, considering resistance patterns and patient-specific factors like pregnancy?
A: First-line treatment for head lice infestation typically involves topical pediculicides such as permethrin 1% cream rinse or pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide. However, increasing resistance to these agents necessitates considering alternative options like ivermectin lotion or spinosad suspension, especially in cases of treatment failure. Oral ivermectin can be considered in specific cases, particularly with widespread resistance, but is contraindicated in pregnancy. Treatment choice should be tailored to patient-specific factors, including age, pregnancy status, and the presence of secondary skin infections. Learn more about the latest clinical guidelines for managing head lice infestation and consider implementing resistance monitoring strategies in your practice to optimize treatment outcomes.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with pediculosis capitis, commonly known as head lice. Symptoms include pruritus of the scalp, particularly in the occipital and postauricular areas. Visual inspection reveals the presence of nits (lice eggs) firmly attached to the hair shafts, close to the scalp. Live lice may also be observed. Differential diagnosis includes seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and other causes of scalp pruritus. Diagnosis of lice infestation is confirmed by the identification of nits andor live lice. Patient education provided regarding the life cycle of lice, transmission prevention, and treatment options. Treatment plan includes over-the-counter permethrin 1 cream rinse, with instructions for proper application and reapplication in 7-10 days. Patient advised on the importance of combing with a fine-toothed nit comb to remove nits and dead lice. Discussed environmental control measures, including washing bedding and clothing in hot water and drying on high heat. Follow-up appointment scheduled in one week to assess treatment efficacy and provide further guidance if needed. ICD-10 code B85.0, Pediculosis capitis, assigned.