Top Three Diabetes Related Skin Disorders and Their ICD-10 Codes

Top Three Diabetes Related Skin Disorders and Their ICD-10 Codes

The article lists the three top diabetes related skin disorders and their relevant ICD-10 codes.

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Diabetes is the fastest growing long-term (chronic) disease, affecting millions of people across the globe. People suffering from

this

condition

experience

several

complications.

Skin

disorders are one of the top complications associated with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Skin complications can occur when blood sugar levels are too high, and they are often the first visible signs of diabetes. Many of these, such as certain rashes and blisters, can be direct manifestations of diabetes or allergic reactions to insulin

or

diabetes

medications.

Others,

including

fungal

infections and dry, itchy skin, are not uncommon among otherwise healthy people but tend to affect those with diabetes more frequently. Reports suggest that an estimated one-third of people with diabetes experience skin conditions either related to or influenced by the condition. People can use medication to resolve skin problems, but managing blood sugars is usually the best way to prevent and treat skin problems that relate to diabetes. Taking diabetic medications (as prescribed), staying physically active and focusing on a healthy diet can help control blood sugar levels which in turn would help reduce your risk of diabetic skin disorders. People with diabetes need to be aware about the potentially serious skin problems related to the disease and consult the physician before the problem gets complicated.

Identifying, diagnosing, and documenting the various diabetes related skin problems can be a complex task for physicians.

Accurate medical record documentation is vital for correct billing www.outsourcestrategies.com

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and coding for different types of diabetes skin disorders. Reliable billing companies outsource medical billing services that physicians can utilize for correct clinical documentation of these conditions.

Here discussed are the top three diabetes-related skin diseases and their ICD-10 codes – Acanthosis Nigricans- Acanthosis nigricans features a darkened band of thickened, velvety skin. These areas can appear in the armpits and groin, and sometimes on the knees, elbows, and hands. The skin may be thicker and may take on a velvety texture. The condition can be a sign of pre-diabetes, but it can also occur from a hormonal problem or the use of some medications (like corticosteroid and niacin). Reports suggest that acanthosis nigricans occurs in as many as 74 percent of people with obesity and diabetes. The condition is not contiguous and managing blood glucose levels and body mass index may help control the symptoms in the long run.  L83

–

is

the

ICD-10

code

used

for

diagnosing

Acanthosis Nigricans Bullosis Diabeticorum – A common condition among people with diabetes mellitus, bullosis diabeticorum is a distinct, noninflammatory, blistering condition of acral skin. Also called diabetic blisters, the condition tends to arise in long-standing diabetes or in conjunction with multiple complications. People www.outsourcestrategies.com

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develop irregularly shaped blister-like sores that appear randomly on the top and sides of the lower legs and feet, and sometimes on the hands or the forearms. The blisters are often large in size, painless, and occur alone or in patches. The exact causes of these blisters are not fully known. However, they are more common in people who develop diabetic neuropathy, a group of nerve disorders that affects people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The best treatment option for this condition is good blood sugar management, although a doctor may aspirate large blisters under sterile conditions.People with bullae lesions should avoid breaking the blister, to prevent infections. Most blisters heal in three weeks or so, without leaving scars. ICD- 10 codes for diabetic blisters include –  L13 Other bullous disorders  L13.0 Dermatitis herpetiformis  L13.1 Subcorneal pustular dermatitis  L13.8 Other specified bullous disorders  L13.9 Bullous disorder, unspecified  L14 Bullous disorders in diseases classified elsewhere Diabetic ulcers – A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that occurs in approximately 15 percent of patients with diabetes.

These can occur anywhere on the skin but are most common on the feet (typically on the bottom of the foot). It is estimated that among people who develop a foot ulcer, about 6 percent will be hospitalized due to infection or other ulcer-related complication. www.outsourcestrategies.com

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Many people who develop foot ulcers have lost the ability to feel pain. One of the first symptoms associated with the condition is some drainage on socks. Redness and swelling may also be associated with the ulceration and, if it progresses significantly, odor may be present. If left untreated, an ulcer can become infected and there is a risk of tissue death, and the person may ultimately need an amputation. Therefore, people with diabetes need to manage their blood sugar level. They should also make it a point to check their feet and other parts of the body regularly for wounds or lesions that may need attention. Related ICD-10 codes include –  E11.62

Type

2

diabetes

mellitus

with

skin

complications  E11.620 Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic dermatitis  E11.621 Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer  E11.622 Type 2 diabetes mellitus with other skin ulcer  E11.628

Type

2

diabetes

mellitus

with

other

skin

complication People with chronic diabetes are at increased risk of suffering various skin problems. Keeping the blood sugar level under control is one of the best ways to lower the risk of diabetesrelated skin problems. With proper management of diabetes, many of these skin problems can be averted. This requires compliance with a diabetic diet, medication, regular physical activity, regular check-ups and carefully following the physician’s www.outsourcestrategies.com

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instructions regarding insulin or other diabetes medicines. Proper skin and foot care are important.

Knowing the specific ICD-10 codes related to different diabetes skin conditions is critical for providers. Partnering with an experienced

dermatology

medical

billing

company

is

a

practical option for physicians to ensure accurate and timely claim submissions.

www.outsourcestrategies.com

918-221-7769