Other nonscarring hair loss (L65)
The ICD-10 code section L65 covers various types of other nonscarring hair loss, which refers to hair loss conditions where hair follicles are not permanently destroyed. This section helps accurately classify and document specific hair shedding or thinning patterns that do not result in scarring.
Within this section, L65.0 identifies Telogen effluvium, also known by terms like disturbance of hair cycle or postpartum alopecia, where hair prematurely enters the shedding phase due to stress, medication, or hormonal changes. Code L65.1 describes Anagen effluvium, often linked to toxic effects from drugs, causing rapid hair loss during the growth phase. L65.2 refers to Alopecia mucinosa, a rare condition sometimes called focal cutaneous mucinosis, characterized by mucin deposits disrupting hair growth. The code L65.8 covers other specified nonscarring hair loss forms, including conditions like male pattern alopecia and alopecia due to friction or endocrine causes. Lastly, L65.9 is used for unspecified nonscarring hair loss, often noted when the exact cause is unknown or when hair loss is associated with systemic diseases such as thyroid disorders or nutritional deficiencies. Recognizing these specific ICD-10 codes ensures precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning for various nonscarring alopecia types.
Instructional Notations
Use Additional Code
The “use additional code” indicates that a secondary code could be used to further specify the patient’s condition. This note is not mandatory and is only used if enough information is available to assign an additional code.
Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
- trichotillomania F63.3
Clinical Terms
The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.
Alopecia
Absence of hair from areas where it is normally present.
Alopecia Areata
Loss of scalp and body hair involving microscopically inflammatory patchy areas.
Hypotrichosis
Presence of less than the normal amount of hair. (Dorland, 27th ed)
Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome
Benign childhood alopecia that improves spontaneously with aging. It is characterized by anagen hairs (misshapen hair bulbs and absent inner and outer root sheaths), thin, and sparse hairs that pulls out easily.
Mucinosis, Follicular
A disease of the pilosebaceous unit, presenting clinically as grouped follicular papules or plaques with associated hair loss. It is caused by mucinous infiltration of tissues, and usually involving the scalp, face, and neck. It may be primary (idiopathic) or secondary to mycosis fungoides or reticulosis.
