Find information on scar diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (L90.5, L90.9), medical coding guidelines, and healthcare best practices for scar management. Learn about hypertrophic scar, keloid scar, atrophic scar, contracture scar, and acne scar treatment. Understand the importance of accurate scar documentation for proper reimbursement and patient care. Explore resources for wound healing, scar revision, and dermatological procedures related to scar tissue.
Also known as
Other disorders of skin and
Includes scars of the skin.
Disorders of eyelid, lacrimal
Includes scarring of eyelids or lacrimal system.
Diseases of digestive system
Includes conditions like esophageal stricture (scarring).
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the scar due to a burn?
Yes
Current burn injury?
No
Is the scar keloid?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Scar tissue |
Keloid scar |
Hypertrophic scar |
Coding a scar without specifying the anatomical location leads to inaccurate reimbursement and data analysis. Use precise laterality and site descriptors.
Failing to document the cause of the scar (burn, trauma, surgery) can impact clinical documentation improvement (CDI) and proper coding selection.
Incorrectly coding keloid scars as hypertrophic scars or vice versa affects medical coding accuracy and quality reporting for healthcare compliance.
Patient presents with a scar consistent with [description: e.g., hypertrophic, keloid, atrophic, contracture]. The scar is located on the [anatomical location: e.g., anterior chest, left forearm, dorsal hand] and measures [dimensions: e.g., 3 cm x 2 cm]. The scar is [color: e.g., erythematous, hypopigmented, hyperpigmented] and [texture: e.g., smooth, raised, firm, indurated, depressed]. Patient reports [symptoms: e.g., pruritus, pain, tenderness, tightness, restricted range of motion]. Onset of the scar was [timeframe: e.g., approximately 6 months ago] following [etiology: e.g., surgical incision, laceration, burn]. The scar is [assessment: e.g., well-healed, stable, symptomatic, cosmetically concerning]. No signs of infection or inflammation are noted. Differential diagnoses considered include keloid scar, hypertrophic scar, atrophic scar, and contracture scar. Diagnosis of [specific scar type] is made based on clinical presentation and patient history. Treatment plan includes [treatment options: e.g., silicone gel sheeting, pressure therapy, intralesional corticosteroid injections, laser therapy, surgical revision]. Patient education provided regarding scar management, including sun protection and moisturizing. Follow-up scheduled in [timeframe: e.g., 4 weeks] to assess response to treatment and monitor for any changes. ICD-10 code [relevant ICD-10 code, e.g., L90.5 for scar conditions] is assigned. CPT codes for procedures, if performed, will be documented separately.