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L73.1
ICD-10-CM
Pseudofolliculitis Barbae

Find information on Pseudofolliculitis Barbae diagnosis, clinical documentation, and medical coding. Learn about PFB, razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and related skin conditions. Explore healthcare resources for accurate ICD-10 codes (L73.9), SNOMED CT concepts, and effective treatment options for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae. This resource supports clinicians in proper diagnosis and coding for optimal patient care and reimbursement.

Also known as

Razor Bumps
PFB

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Ingrown hairs in the beard area, causing inflammation and bumps.
  • Clinical Signs : Red bumps, pustules, razor burns, itching, and sometimes scarring on the face and neck.
  • Common Settings : Men with curly hair who shave, especially those with darker skin tones.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC L73.1 Coding
L73.1

Pseudofolliculitis barbae

Ingrown hairs of the beard area.

L73.8

Other folliculitis

Folliculitis not otherwise specified.

L70-L75

Diseases of skin appendages

Disorders affecting hair follicles, sweat, and sebaceous glands.

L00-L99

Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

Encompasses various skin and tissue conditions, including infections and inflammation.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the diagnosis Pseudofolliculitis Barbae?

  • Yes

    Keloidal scarring present?

  • No

    Do NOT code as Pseudofolliculitis Barbae. Review clinical documentation for alternative diagnosis.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Ingrown hairs, razor bumps
Folliculitis, bacterial
Acne Keloidalis Nuchae

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • PFB diagnosis: Shaving history, affected area
  • PFB clinical exam: Papules, pustules, ingrown hairs
  • PFB documentation: Skin type, Fitzpatrick scale
  • PFB severity: Mild, moderate, severe (specify)
  • PFB related codes: ICD-10 L73.3, describe treatments

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified PFB Type

    Coding PFB without specifying type (keloidal, papular, etc.) leads to inaccurate severity and treatment reflection impacting reimbursement.

  • Miscoded as Infection

    PFB can be misdiagnosed and coded as folliculitis or infection leading to incorrect treatment and inflated healthcare costs. CDI crucial.

  • Lacking Documentation

    Insufficient documentation of PFB severity and location hinders accurate coding and auditing. Impacts quality reporting and compliance.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Stop shaving, allow hair growth.
  • Use sharp single-blade razors.
  • Shave in hair growth direction.
  • Apply warm compresses before shaving.
  • Consider laser hair removal or electrolysis.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Papulespustules in beard area? ICD-10: L73.89
  • 2. Razor bumps, ingrown hairs observed? SNOMED CT: 4369002
  • 3. African descent male patient? Document ethnicity, risk factors.
  • 4. Shaving irritation reported? Assess technique, alternatives.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Pseudofolliculitis Barbae reimbursement: CPT codes 10060, 10061, 695.0 impact coding accuracy.
  • PFB ICD-10 L73.9 affects hospital reporting of skin conditions, influencing quality metrics.
  • Accurate PFB diagnosis coding impacts medical billing and physician reimbursement.
  • Proper PFB documentation improves healthcare data analytics and quality improvement initiatives.

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 L73.9 for PFB
  • Document inflammation
  • Note razor bumps/ingrown hairs
  • Consider L08.0 for infections
  • Exclude tinea barbae

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), also known as razor bumps, ingrown hairs, or shaving irritation.  Symptoms include erythematous papules, pustules, and in some cases, keloids, predominantly in the beard area.  The patient reports tenderness, itching, and burning sensations.  On examination, close inspection reveals curled or ingrown hairs within the affected follicles.  The patient identifies as [Race/Ethnicity - if clinically relevant and patient-disclosed] and states [shaving frequency] with a [type of razor - e.g., manual, electric] and [shaving method - e.g., with the grain, against the grain].  The diagnosis of pseudofolliculitis barbae is made based on clinical presentation and patient history.  Differential diagnoses considered include folliculitis, acne keloidalis nuchae, and contact dermatitis.  Treatment plan includes patient education on proper shaving techniques, such as using a single-blade razor, shaving in the direction of hair growth, and avoiding close shaves.  Topical corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone cream, are prescribed to reduce inflammation and irritation.  The patient is advised to avoid further shaving until the inflammation subsides.  Follow-up is recommended in [duration] to assess treatment response and adjust management as needed.  ICD-10 code L73.9 (Pseudofolliculitis barbae) is assigned.  CPT codes for applicable procedures, such as incision and drainage if required, will be documented separately.
Pseudofolliculitis Barbae - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation