Rosacea ICD 10 Code

Refresher: What are ICD-10 codes?

ICD-10 is the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems by the World Health Organization. This medical classification list has codes containing the following information:

Diseases
Signs and symptoms of diseases
Complaints
Abnormal findings
External causes of injury, etc.

ICD-10 took over ICD-9 after the latter failed to keep up with the changing diagnostic requirements. The former emerged as a more detailed version of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases [¹].

These codes are further divided into the following categories:

ICD-10-CM (Clinical Modification)
ICD-10-PCS (Procedure Coding System)

While the former is used for diagnosis, the latter is used in in-patient settings for coding procedures. These codes help healthcare providers categorize a patient’s symptoms and create specific treatment plans for them. Finding the right ICD-10 code requires one to look into the type and location of a disease/condition.

What is the ICD-10 Code for Rosacea?

The ICD-10 code for rosacea is L71. The code L71 falls under “Disorders of skin appendages” from L60-L75.

Rosacea is a skin condition that results in a rash and reddened skin. It usually affects your cheeks and nose. In some cases, it may also lead to eye problems. The symptoms aren't always persistent, and they often come and go. There are certain factors that trigger it, such as emotional stress and sun exposure [²].

The table below lists the subcategories of the disease under code L71.

Rosacea ICD-10 code: L71

Rosacea ICD code L71 Lookup

Below is a table of the ICD-10 “Rosacea” codes under L71 [3].

L71: Rosacea

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Types of Rosacea Coded Under L71

ICD-10 code L71 represents rosacea and its following subtypes:

Perioral dermatitis (L71.0): This inflammatory rash, represented by code L71.0, involves the skin around the mouth. This rash can also spread upwards, in some cases even to your eyes.

Rhinophyma (L71.1): This is a severe form of rosacea that often worsens if you leave it untreated. This type of skin disorder can cause your nose to get bumpy and red. It may even cause it to enlarge.

Other rosacea types that usually fall under L71.9 include [⁴]:

Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea
Papulopustular Rosacea
Phymatous Rosacea
Ocular Rosacea

Rosacea types that aren’t specified often fall under the “rosacea, unspecified” category. This is because they may involve symptoms that aren’t usually associated with other common types of rosacea.

For example, "ocular rosacea" leads to the burning and redness of the eyes, even though common rosacea types only affect the face.

Similarly, “phymatous rosacea” does not come under other typical rosacea codes because it’s rare. It causes the thickening and sometimes even discoloration of the skin.

“Papulopustular rosacea" has an appearance very similar to that of acne. But, it covers a large area as compared to acne, which only affects the area around the pimple.

Types of Rosacea Excluded from ICD-10 L71

The code ICD-10 L71 covers all types of rosacea. However, other skin conditions with symptoms similar to rosacea are represented by other codes.

For example, acne comes under L70 because of a different etiology and symptoms despite appearing very alike [⁵]. Rosacea is sometimes also referred to as" acne-like breakouts", but it affects a greater area of your skin as compared to acne.

Furthermore, rosacea is a relapsing condition that may worsen due to heat, sun exposure, caffeine, or emotional problems. Healthcare providers may identify rosacea clinically through the intense reddening of your skin. They may also determine whether it is localized or not. Rosacea is usually localized in the following areas:

Nose
Chin
Forehead
Medial cheek

Conclusion

Rosacea can appear very similar to acne. This is why reaching the right diagnostic conclusion is imperative to treat the condition effectively. Finding the right code can help healthcare providers create a specific treatment plan for patients. In some cases, the treatment for rosacea and acne can be similar, but it isn't always the case.

Mistaking rosacea for acne comes with various risks. For one, mild acne can get better over time. So, many people might not opt for treatment. However, since acne and rosacea can sometimes appear similar, not opting for treatment can cause the rosacea to become permanent.

The more standardized the procedures, the better the recording and documentation of treatment plans. A wrong diagnosis can lead to lifelong issues. While it isn’t a medically serious condition, long-term rosacea can take a toll on your mental health and well-being. And so, timely intervention is imperative.

It’s important to determine the specific type of this condition to create a customized treatment plan. Assigning the right code depends on the causes and origins of a condition, its symptoms, and the factors that worsen it.

ICD-10 codes for rosacea help doctors reduce inconsistencies in their diagnoses. It also allows them to create detailed documentation and provide the best care to patients with the condition.