Facebook tracking pixelScar - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation
L90.5
ICD-10-CM
Scar

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

Cicatrix
Fibrosis of Skin
Keloid

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : A fibrous tissue replacing normal skin after injury.
  • Clinical Signs : Raised or flat, discolored mark; may be itchy or painful.
  • Common Settings : Post-surgery, injury, burn, acne, or infection.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC L90.5 Coding
L90-L99

Other disorders of skin and

Includes scars of the skin.

H00-H59

Disorders of eyelid, lacrimal

Includes scarring of eyelids or lacrimal system.

K00-K95

Diseases of digestive system

Includes conditions like esophageal stricture (scarring).

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Scar tissue
Keloid scar
Hypertrophic scar

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Scar location (anatomical site)
  • Scar size (length x width cm)
  • Scar characteristics (e.g., hypertrophic, keloid)
  • Etiology of scar (e.g., burn, surgery, trauma)
  • ICD-10 code for scar diagnosis

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Scar Location

    Coding a scar without specifying the anatomical location leads to inaccurate reimbursement and data analysis. Use precise laterality and site descriptors.

  • Missing Etiology of Scar

    Failing to document the cause of the scar (burn, trauma, surgery) can impact clinical documentation improvement (CDI) and proper coding selection.

  • Confusing Keloid/Hypertrophic

    Incorrectly coding keloid scars as hypertrophic scars or vice versa affects medical coding accuracy and quality reporting for healthcare compliance.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Code scar location precisely using ICD-10-CM guidelines for accurate reimbursement.
  • Document scar characteristics (size, type) for improved CDI and risk adjustment.
  • Query physician for scar etiology to ensure complete clinical documentation and compliance.
  • Educate clinicians on proper scar coding and documentation for optimal healthcare revenue cycle.
  • Regularly audit scar-related codes and documentation to identify and correct coding errors.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify scar type: Hypertrophic, Keloid, Atrophic, Contracture
  • Confirm scar location and size using anatomical diagrams
  • Document etiology: Surgical, Traumatic, Burn, Acne, Other
  • Assess impact on function and cosmesis: Pain, Itching, ROM
  • Review prior treatments and patient reported outcomes

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Scar coding accuracy impacts reimbursement for procedures like excision, revision, grafting.
  • Proper scar diagnosis coding improves quality metrics for surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction.
  • Accurate scar documentation supports medical necessity for pressure garment therapy reimbursement.
  • ICD-10 specificity for scar location and etiology (e.g., burn, trauma) maximizes reimbursement.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code scar location precisely
  • ICD-10: L90.5 for keloid scar
  • Document scar characteristics
  • Late effect E-code if applicable
  • Consider external cause codes

Documentation Templates

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.