icd 10 code for premalignant actinic keratoses facial lesions

by Kaitlin Kuhlman 6 min read

ACTINIC KERATOSIS ICD-10: L57.
Actinic keratoses can progress to squamous cell carcinoma.

What is the ICD 10 code for actinic keratosis?

Actinic keratosis. L57.0 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2021 edition of ICD-10-CM L57.0 became effective on October 1, 2020. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of L57.0 - other international versions of ICD-10 L57.0 may differ.

What is the ICD 10 code for acquired keratosis palmaris et plantaris?

Acquired keratosis [keratoderma] palmaris et plantaris. ICD-10-CM L85.1 is grouped within Diagnostic Related Group (s) (MS-DRG v36.0): Diagnosis Index entries containing back-references to L85.1: ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L85.9 Keratoderma, keratodermia (congenital) (palmaris et plantaris)...

What is the ICD 10 code for seborrheic keratosis?

Subcategory L82 contains codes for SK, and includes dermatosis papulosa nigra and Leser-Trelat disease. L82.0 Inflamed seborrheic keratosis L82.1 Other seborrheic keratosis

What is the ICD 10 code for removal of malignant skin lesions?

Under Covered ICD-10 Codes Group 1: Codes added ICD-10 Codes Z86.006 and Z86.007. This revision is due to the Annual ICD-10 Code Update and becomes effective on 10/1/2019. The Article Title was changed to “Billing and Coding: Removal of Benign and Malignant Skin Lesions”. Under Covered ICD-10 Codes Group 1: Codes added ICD-10 code L72.11.

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What is the ICD-10 diagnosis code for actinic keratosis?

ICD-10 code L57. 0 for Actinic keratosis is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue .

Is actinic keratosis malignant?

You breathe a sigh of relief when your doctor tells you that the spot is an actinic keratosis (AK), meaning it isn't malignant…for now. It may stay benign, but it could also turn into a potentially life-threatening form of skin cancer.

How do you bill for actinic keratosis?

The 2019 CPT codes for Actinic Keratosis are as follows:11300- 11313 Shaving of Epidermal or Dermal Lesions Procedures.11400-11446 Excision, Benign Lesion of Cutaneous Origin.

What is the ICD-10 code for squamous cell carcinoma of cheek?

32 for Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of other and unspecified parts of face is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Malignant neoplasms .

Is actinic keratosis premalignant?

The actinic keratotic lesion appearing on the sun-exposed skin of the middle-aged and elderly is a common premalignant lesion that infrequently becomes squamous cell carcinoma. Generally, superficially destructive measures provide adequate therapy for this epidermal dysplastic growth.

What is actinic keratosis of the face?

An actinic keratosis (ak-TIN-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis) is a rough, scaly patch on the skin that develops from years of sun exposure. It's often found on the face, lips, ears, forearms, scalp, neck or back of the hands.

What is the CPT code for destruction of 1 actinic keratoses on the face?

Destruction of actinic keratosis (codes 17000, 17003 and 17004). The only diagnosis code (e.g., ICD-9 code) that can be used for these three codes is 702.0 (actinic keratosis). No other diagnosis code is allowed. CPT code 17000 is only used one time per claim and is always billed at one unit.

What is the CPT code for actinic keratosis?

The treatment of common warts, plantar warts, actinic keratosis and seborrheic keratosis by most methods (application of acid, freezing, laser or electrocautery) is covered by “destruction” codes. Use 17000 for destruction of the first lesion. Use add-on code 17003 for each lesion between two and 14.

Is seborrheic keratosis considered premalignant lesion?

Seborrhoeic keratoses are not premalignant tumours. However: Skin cancers are sometimes difficult to tell apart from seborrhoeic keratoses. Skin cancer may by chance arise within or collide with a seborrhoeic keratosis.

What is the ICD-10 code for squamous cell carcinoma?

ICD-10-CM Code for Squamous cell carcinoma of skin, unspecified C44. 92.

How do you code squamous cell carcinoma?

Squamous cell carcinoma of skin, unspecified C44. 92 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM C44. 92 became effective on October 1, 2021.

Are squamous cell carcinomas malignant?

The vast majority of skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. While malignant, these are unlikely to spread to other parts of the body if treated early. They may be locally disfiguring if not treated early.

What should be included in clinical documentation of keratosis?

Clinical documentation of keratosis should include the type of keratosis—actinic or seborrheic—and whether the keratosis is inflamed ( or not otherwise specified). The location of the growths must be noted, as should contributing factors, such as tanning bed exposure.

What is AK in ICd 10?

Keratosis ICD-10 Coding. Actinic keratosis (AK) is a small, rough spot on the skin. It usually occurs in middle-aged and older individuals, and may also be called senile keratosis or solar keratosis. AK is a premalignant lesion, which may develop into skin cancer. Although clinicians generally can diagnose AK by examining the area, ...

How to diagnose AK?

Although clinicians generally can diagnose AK by examining the area, biopsy may be necessary. AK typically develops on fair-skinned individuals, those with excessive sun exposure, or individuals with indoor tanning radiation. Treatment for AK is generally straightforward, and may include cryosurgery (freezing), scraping, and photodynamic therapy.

Is SK a benign disease?

Seborrheic keratosis (SK) may present as single or multiple elevated plagues and nodules that are often hyper-pigmented (darkened) with an overgrown, greasy surface. This type of SK is benign, of unknown cause, and involves only the top layers of the epidermis.

What is actinic keratosis?

Actinic Keratoses (AK) is an extremely common dermatological condition among the elderly. It is considered to be a pre-malignant condition; therefore, procedures to destroy or remove actinic keratoses are generally covered by Medicare and commercial payers. The condition presents as rough, sometimes red, scaly patches on the skin, usually where there has been the greatest exposure to damaging UV rays such as the face, scalp, neck, ears, forearms, and hands. While they are technically benign lesions, the majority of squamous cell carcinomas begin as actinic keratoses, making it preferable to remove or destroy them before they progress to malignancy.

What is the most common form of skin cancer?

Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are common, treatable forms of skin cancer. A dermatologist who suspects malignancy will take a biopsy by excising the lesion and sending it for pathological testing. Confirmation of malignancy may warrant Mohs micrographic surgery.

How does a coder know the difference between stages and blocks?

In Mohs surgery, the surgeon removes layers of tissue. Each layer is a stage of the surgery. The layers of tissue are divided into blocks, which are mapped. The surgeon checks the pieces of the tumor for cancerous cells. If malignancy is found in any of the blocks, the surgeon goes back and removes another layer of tissue, divides it into one or more blocks, and repeats the process. Stages continue until no cancerous cells are found in any of the tissue blocks.

Is dermatology a cosmetic procedure?

Coding for dermatology can be tricky. Since many procedures can be considered cosmetic if not properly coded to show the medical necessity, billers and coders must pay careful attention to the documentation to avoid unnecessary denials or time-consuming appeals. Let’s take a look at some common conditions, and review what is covered and what isn’t.

Does Medicare cover dermatology?

The physician has the responsibility to notify the patient in advance that Medicare will not cover cosmetic dermatological surgery and that the beneficiary will be liable for the cost of the service. It is strongly advised that the beneficiary, by his or her signature, accept responsibility for payment.

Is seborrheic keratosis a benign lesions?

Seborrheic Keratoses. Unlike Actinic Keratoses, Seborrheic Keratoses are benign lesions. For this reason, their removal is often considered to be cosmetic. It is important for billers and coders working in dermatology to be very familiar with payer policies.

Which skin lesions do not qualify as pre-malignant?

Squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen’s disease) Skin lesions which do not qualify as pre-malignant include but are not limited to the following: Acrochordons (skin tags) Cherry angioma. Dermatofibroma. Hemangioma (superficial or deep) Neurofibroma. Nevus flammeus (port-wine stain) Nevus simplex.

What is the term for a skin lesion that appears after long term exposure to ultraviolet radiation?

Common skin lesions that appear after long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation are called actinic keratosis. Actinic keratosis is the second most common skin lesion in the elderly and is the most common pre-malignant lesion. Left untreated, actinic keratosis can change into squamous cell carcinoma.

What is the term for a growth of cancerous cells on the outer layer of the skin?

Squamous cell carcinoma in-situ (also known as Bowen’s disease) is a growth of cancerous cells on the outer layer of the skin. Bowen’s disease is a rare skin disorder and is more frequently seen in those over age 60. Lentigo maligna is a type of melanoma in situ that may progress to invasive melanoma.

Why do you remove skin lesions?

Due to the risk of progression of these lesions to skin cancer, removal of the skin lesions can be done to diminish the risk of invasive squamous cell carcinoma. There are three major types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

What is a scaly patch on the skin?

Actinic keratosis: A rough, scaly patch or growth that forms on the skin after damage from the sun or ultraviolet light. Bowen’s disease: A flat, reddish, scaly patch that grows slowly on the skin and is considered a precursor to squamous cell carcinoma. Skin tag: A small, soft, pendulous growth on the skin.

General Information

CPT codes, descriptions and other data only are copyright 2020 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. Applicable FARS/HHSARS apply.

CMS National Coverage Policy

Title XVIII of the Social Security Act §1833 (e) prohibits Medicare payment for any claim which lacks the necessary information to process the claim.

Article Guidance

The information in this article contains billing, coding or other guidelines that complement the Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for Removal of Benign and Malignant Skin Lesions.

ICD-10-CM Codes that Support Medical Necessity

The CPT/HCPCS codes included in this LCD will be subjected to "procedure to diagnosis" editing. The following lists include only those diagnoses for which the identified CPT/HCPCS procedures are covered. If a covered diagnosis is not on the claim, the edit will automatically deny the service as not medically necessary.

Bill Type Codes

Contractors may specify Bill Types to help providers identify those Bill Types typically used to report this service. Absence of a Bill Type does not guarantee that the article does not apply to that Bill Type.

Revenue Codes

Contractors may specify Revenue Codes to help providers identify those Revenue Codes typically used to report this service. In most instances Revenue Codes are purely advisory. Unless specified in the article, services reported under other Revenue Codes are equally subject to this coverage determination.

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Diagnosis

  • Actinic keratosis (AK) is a small, rough spot on the skin. It usually occurs in middle-aged and older individuals, and may also be called senile keratosis or solar keratosis. AK is a premalignant lesion, which may develop into skin cancer. Although clinicians generally can diagnose AK by examining the area, biopsy may be necessary. Clinical documentation of keratosis should include the type …
See more on aapc.com

Treatment

  • AK typically develops on fair-skinned individuals, those with excessive sun exposure, or individuals with indoor tanning radiation. Treatment for AK is generally straightforward, and may include cryosurgery (freezing), scraping, and photodynamic therapy.
See more on aapc.com

Symptoms

  • Seborrheic keratosis (SK) may present as single or multiple elevated plagues and nodules that are often hyper-pigmented (darkened) with an overgrown, greasy surface. This type of SK is benign, of unknown cause, and involves only the top layers of the epidermis. No treatment is necessary, although there is risk of irritation or infection caused by friction (such as when clothing rubs the …
See more on aapc.com

Categories

  • Category L57.0 describes AK, including keratosis not otherwise specified, solar keratosis, and senile keratosis. Subcategory L57.0 requires that you use an additional code to identify the source of the ultraviolet radiation.
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Clinical significance

  • Subcategory L82 contains codes for SK, and includes dermatosis papulosa nigra and Leser-Trelat disease.
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Miscellaneous

  • L82 also contains an Excludes II note telling the user that codes for seborrheic dermatitis (L21-) may be cited, in addition to the L82 code, if both are supported in documentation.
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