2021 ICD-10-CM Code L40
Psoriasis
Not Valid for Submission
L40 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of psoriasis. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2021 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.
Code Classification
Specific Coding for Psoriasis
Non-specific codes like L40 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10 codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for psoriasis:
- BILLABLE CODE - Use L40.0 for Psoriasis vulgaris
- BILLABLE CODE - Use L40.1 for Generalized pustular psoriasis
- BILLABLE CODE - Use L40.2 for Acrodermatitis continua
- BILLABLE CODE - Use L40.3 for Pustulosis palmaris et plantaris
- BILLABLE CODE - Use L40.4 for Guttate psoriasis
- NON-BILLABLE CODE - L40.5 for Arthropathic psoriasis
- BILLABLE CODE - Use L40.50 for Arthropathic psoriasis, unspecified
- BILLABLE CODE - Use L40.51 for Distal interphalangeal psoriatic arthropathy
- BILLABLE CODE - Use L40.52 for Psoriatic arthritis mutilans
- BILLABLE CODE - Use L40.53 for Psoriatic spondylitis
- BILLABLE CODE - Use L40.54 for Psoriatic juvenile arthropathy
- BILLABLE CODE - Use L40.59 for Other psoriatic arthropathy
- BILLABLE CODE - Use L40.8 for Other psoriasis
- BILLABLE CODE - Use L40.9 for Psoriasis, unspecified
Clinical Information
- PSORIASIS-. a common genetically determined chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by rounded erythematous dry scaling patches. the lesions have a predilection for nails scalp genitalia extensor surfaces and the lumbosacral region. accelerated epidermopoiesis is considered to be the fundamental pathologic feature in psoriasis.
- ARTHRITIS PSORIATIC-. a type of inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis often involving the axial joints and the peripheral terminal interphalangeal joints. it is characterized by the presence of hla b27 associated spondylarthropathy and the absence of rheumatoid factor.
Information for Patients
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes itchy or sore patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales. You usually get the patches on your elbows, knees, scalp, back, face, palms and feet, but they can show up on other parts of your body. Some people who have psoriasis also get a form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis.
A problem with your immune system causes psoriasis. In a process called cell turnover, skin cells that grow deep in your skin rise to the surface. Normally, this takes a month. In psoriasis, it happens in just days because your cells rise too fast.
Psoriasis can be hard to diagnose because it can look like other skin diseases. Your doctor might need to look at a small skin sample under a microscope.
Psoriasis can last a long time, even a lifetime. Symptoms come and go. Things that make them worse include
- Infections
- Stress
- Dry skin
- Certain medicines
Psoriasis usually occurs in adults. It sometimes runs in families. Treatments include creams, medicines, and light therapy.
NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Psoriasis (Medical Encyclopedia)
- Psoriasis - guttate (Medical Encyclopedia)
[Learn More in MedlinePlus]
Code History
- FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
- FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
- FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
- FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
- FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
- FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016 (First year ICD-10-CM implemented into the HIPAA code set)