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L90.0
ICD-10-CM
Lichen Sclerosus

Find comprehensive information on Lichen Sclerosus including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (L90.0), medical coding, healthcare guidelines, diagnosis, treatment, symptoms, and management. This resource offers valuable insights for healthcare professionals, clinicians, and patients seeking information on Lichen Sclerosus and vulvar lichen sclerosus. Learn about effective diagnostic criteria, treatment options, and best practices for managing this condition.

Also known as

Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus
LSA

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Chronic inflammatory skin condition causing thinning and white patches.
  • Clinical Signs : Itching, pain, white patches, easy bruising, scarring.
  • Common Settings : Genital (vulva, penis), extragenital (any skin area).

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC L90.0 Coding
L90-L99

Other disorders of skin and...

Includes lichen sclerosus and other specific skin conditions.

N70-N77

Inflammatory diseases of female...

Covers vulvovaginal inflammatory conditions, sometimes related to lichen sclerosus.

N48-N51

Noninflammatory disorders of male...

May include related conditions of the male genitalia, though less common with lichen sclerosus.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the Lichen Sclerosus vulvar?

  • Yes

    Is there associated atrophy?

  • No

    Is it penile?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Lichen Sclerosus: Thin, white skin patches, mainly genital/anal.
Atrophic Vulvovaginitis: Vulvar thinning, dryness, inflammation.
Vulvar Lichen Planus: Itchy, purplish, flat-topped bumps.

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Lichen sclerosus diagnosis: Detailed lesion description (size, location, morphology)
  • LS clinical documentation: Include patient-reported symptoms (itching, pain, dyspareunia)
  • Lichen sclerosus coding: Document any extragenital lesions
  • ICD-10 K51.0 accurate coding: Confirm diagnosis with biopsy if needed
  • Lichen sclerosus treatment documented: Topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Location

    Coding Lichen Sclerosus without specifying the affected anatomical site leads to inaccurate data and potential claim denials. Use specific ICD-10 codes like L90.0 for vulva, L90.4 for male genitalia.

  • Unspecified Type

    Failing to distinguish between hypertrophic and other types when documented may impact severity assessment and reimbursement. CDI should query for clarity if the type is unspecified.

  • Missed Associated Dx

    Overlooking related conditions like vulvar cancer or phimosis when present with Lichen Sclerosus can affect risk adjustment and quality reporting. Ensure complete documentation and coding.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Topical steroids, proper hygiene for LS relief. ICD-10: L90.0
  • Biopsy for accurate LS diagnosis. SNOMED CT: 41480009. CDI query
  • Educate patients on LS self-care, compliance. ICD-10-CM
  • Monitor LS progression, adjust treatment. Healthcare quality measures
  • Rule out other vulvar conditions. Differential diagnosis documentation

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Vulvar/penile white patches, plaques, or atrophy? (ICD-10 L90.0)
  • 2. Biopsy confirms diagnosis? (SNOMED CT 70165005)
  • 3. Rule out other dermatoses (e.g., morphea, vitiligo)?
  • 4. Document symptom onset, location, and severity.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Lichen Sclerosus: Coding accuracy impacts reimbursement for vulvar, penile, extragenital lesions. Optimize ICD-10 (L90.0-L90.9), CPT (11000-17999) for biopsy, treatment.
  • Accurate Lichen Sclerosus diagnosis coding improves quality reporting. Data-driven insights enhance patient care, resource allocation, research initiatives.
  • Miscoded Lichen Sclerosus can trigger claim denials, audits. Proper ICD-10, CPT coding crucial for revenue cycle management, minimizing financial losses.
  • Standardized Lichen Sclerosus coding facilitates comparative analysis, tracks treatment effectiveness. Enables benchmarking, performance improvements.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code L90.0 for LS vulva/perineum
  • Code L90.4 for LS extragenital
  • Document lesion location, size, symptoms
  • Consider K50.10 if bowel/bladder involved
  • Specify 'active' or 'inactive' LS stage

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with lichen sclerosus.  Symptoms include vulvar itching, burning, pain, dyspareunia, and dysuria.  Physical examination reveals porcelain-white, thin, and wrinkled skin affecting the vulva and perianal area, with evidence of erosions, fissures, or ecchymosis.  Differential diagnosis includes vulvovaginal atrophy, contact dermatitis, vitiligo, psoriasis, and squamous cell carcinoma.  Biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis of lichen sclerosus and rule out other conditions.  The patient's medical history is significant for (list relevant comorbidities such as autoimmune disorders, diabetes).  Family history is negativepositive for lichen sclerosus.  The patient is counseled on the chronic nature of the disease and the importance of long-term management.  Treatment plan includes topical corticosteroids, specifically clobetasol propionate ointment, applied twice daily for a specified period, followed by maintenance therapy.  Patient education provided regarding proper application, potential side effects of topical steroids, and the importance of follow-up appointments for monitoring disease progression and treatment efficacy.  ICD-10 code L90.0 is assigned.  Patient advised to avoid irritants, maintain proper hygiene, and use emollients for symptomatic relief.  Referral to a dermatologist may be considered for complex cases or if the response to treatment is suboptimal.
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