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L91.8
ICD-10-CM
Skin Tags

Find reliable information on skin tag diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (L91.9, D22.6 when applicable), SNOMED CT terminology, and appropriate medical coding for acrochordon. Learn about the evaluation and differential diagnosis of skin tags, covering soft fibromas, cutaneous papillomas, and other benign skin lesions. Explore resources for healthcare professionals on proper documentation and coding best practices for skin tags in medical records.

Also known as

Acrochordon
Fibroepithelial Polyp

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Small, soft, skin-colored growths that hang from the skin by a thin stalk.
  • Clinical Signs : Flesh-colored or brown, painless, pedunculated papules found on neck, armpits, groin, or eyelids.
  • Common Settings : Dermatology offices, family practice clinics, plastic surgery centers for removal.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC L91.8 Coding
L91-L91

Acrochordon and other acquired

Includes skin tags (acrochordons).

D23-D23

Benign neoplasm of skin

Includes some skin lesions that may resemble skin tags.

Q82-Q82

Congenital malformations of skin

May include rare congenital skin lesions similar to skin tags.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the skin tag inflamed or infected?

  • Yes

    Is the inflammation localized?

  • No

    Are there multiple skin tags?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Small, soft, skin growths
Seborrheic keratosis
Nevus (mole)

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Skin tag diagnosis: ICD-10-CM code L91.9
  • Document size, color, number, location
  • Confirm benign nature, rule out malignancy
  • Treatment plan: excision, cryotherapy, ligation
  • Patient understanding and consent documented

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Location

    Coding skin tag removal without specifying the anatomical site can lead to claim denials and inaccurate data reporting. Use precise ICD-10-CM codes like D22.6 for accurate coding and reimbursement.

  • Incorrect Code Selection

    Miscoding skin tags as other lesions can impact physician reimbursement and quality reporting. CDI specialists ensure accurate code assignment for optimal healthcare compliance and revenue cycle management.

  • Lack of Medical Necessity

    Removal of skin tags for cosmetic reasons might not be covered by insurance. Proper documentation of medical necessity is crucial to avoid audits and ensure appropriate medical coding for skin tag removal procedures.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document precise skin tag location, size, morphology for accurate ICD-10 coding (L91.9).
  • Ensure CDI aligns clinical notes, pathology reports for benign neoplasm coding compliance.
  • Rule out differential diagnoses, document clearly to avoid medical necessity denials.
  • Photo-document skin tags for improved clinical record clarity and coding accuracy.
  • Consistent coding, clear documentation supports accurate quality reporting, reduces compliance risks.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Soft, skin-colored growth? ICD-10: L91.9, D22.6
  • 2. Pedunculated or sessile appearance? Document size/location.
  • 3. Consider dermoscopy if atypical features. SNOMED CT: 400029002
  • 4. Rule out other diagnoses (e.g., nevi, warts). Patient education.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Skin tag removal reimbursement: CPT 11200-11201, ICD-10 L91.8. Accurate coding maximizes payer revenue.
  • Quality metrics: Skin tag excision complication rates, patient satisfaction scores impact hospital performance reports.
  • Coding accuracy for skin tags minimizes claim denials, improves clean claim rate, impacting hospital revenue cycle.
  • Proper documentation of skin tag diagnosis and treatment supports medical necessity for optimal 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 skin tags as D22.9
  • Excise? Add procedure code
  • Document size & location
  • Multiple? Code each lesion

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of skin tags (acrochordon, cutaneous papilloma, fibroepithelial polyp).  Review of systems reveals soft, pedunculated, skin-colored or slightly hyperpigmented lesions.  Lesions are asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic, with occasional reports of irritation or bleeding secondary to friction with clothing or jewelry.  Locations of skin tags include the neck, axillae, groin, eyelids, and inframammary folds.  Patient denies pain, pruritus, or any other associated symptoms.  Medical history is significant for (list relevant medical history, e.g., diabetes, obesity, pregnancy).  Family history is positive negative for similar skin lesions.  Physical examination confirms the presence of multiple small, fleshy papules consistent with the clinical diagnosis of skin tags.  Lesions range in size from 1 mm to 5 mm.  No signs of inflammation, infection, or malignancy are observed.  Differential diagnosis includes nevi, seborrheic keratosis, and neurofibromas.  Diagnosis of skin tags is made based on clinical presentation and visual inspection.  Treatment options discussed include cryotherapy, excision, electrocautery, and ligation.  Patient elected for (state chosen treatment, e.g., cryotherapy to the largest lesion).  Risks and benefits of the procedure were explained, and informed consent was obtained.  Patient tolerated the procedure well.  Post-procedure instructions were provided, including wound care and follow-up recommendations.  Patient education regarding the benign nature of skin tags and preventative measures, such as weight management and avoiding friction, was also provided.  Follow-up as needed.  ICD-10 code L91.9 (Benign neoplasm of skin, unspecified) may be considered for billing purposes.  CPT codes for treatment may include 17110 (destruction, benign lesions, up to 14 lesions) or 11200 (removal of skin tags, up to 15 lesions).  Coding selection will depend on the specific treatment performed.
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