Q81 - Epidermolysis bullosa

Clinical Information

• Epidermolysis Bullosa-. group of genetically determined disorders characterized by the blistering of skin and mucosae. there are four major forms: acquired, simple, junctional, and dystrophic. each of the latter three has several varieties.
• Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita-. form of epidermolysis bullosa characterized by trauma-induced, subepidermal blistering with no family history of the disease. direct immunofluorescence shows immunoglobulin g deposited at the dermo-epidermal junction.
• Epidermolysis Bullosa Dystrophica-. form of epidermolysis bullosa characterized by atrophy of blistered areas, severe scarring, and nail changes. it is most often present at birth or in early infancy and occurs in both autosomal dominant and recessive forms. all forms of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa result from mutations in collagen type vii, a major component fibrils of basement membrane and epidermis.
• Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex-. a form of epidermolysis bullosa characterized by serous bullae that heal without scarring. mutations in the genes that encode keratin-5 and keratin-14 have been associated with several subtypes of epidermolysis bullosa simplex.
• Epidermolysis Bullosa, Junctional-. form of epidermolysis bullosa having onset at birth or during the neonatal period and transmitted through autosomal recessive inheritance. it is characterized by generalized blister formation, extensive denudation, and separation and cleavage of the basal cell plasma membranes from the basement membrane.

Specific Coding for Epidermolysis bullosa

Non-specific codes like Q81 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 epidermolysis bullosa:

Patient Education

Skin Conditions

Your skin is your body's largest organ. It covers and protects your body. Your skin:

• Holds body fluids in, preventing dehydration
• Keeps harmful microbes out, preventing infections
• Helps you feel things like heat, cold, and pain
• Keeps your body temperature even
• Makes vitamin D when the sun shines on it

Anything that irritates, clogs, or inflames your skin can cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, burning, and itching. Allergies, irritants, your genetic makeup, and certain diseases and immune system problems can cause rashes, hives, and other skin conditions. Many skin problems, such as acne, also affect your appearance.

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Epidermolysis Bullosa

Code History

• FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
• FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
• 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)