What is the ICD-10 code for alopecia areata?

The ICD-10 code for alopecia areata is L63.9, used when the condition is unspecified.

How do you code nonscarring hair loss?

Nonscarring hair loss is coded as L65.9 when no specific type is identified.

ICD-10 Coding for Hair Loss(L63.9, F63.3, L63.1)

Save

Explore comprehensive ICD-10 coding and documentation guidelines for hair loss, including alopecia areata and nonscarring hair loss.

Also known as:

AlopeciaBaldnessHair Thinning

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hair Loss

L00-L99Primary Range

Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

→

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

Code	Description	When to Use	Key Documentation
L63.9	Alopecia areata, unspecified	Use when alopecia areata is diagnosed but not further specified.	Documentation of circumscribed patches Presence of exclamation point hairs
L65.9	Nonscarring hair loss, unspecified	Use when hair loss is nonscarring and no specific type is identified.	Absence of scarring on scalp examination
L64.9	Androgenic alopecia, unspecified	Use for typical male or female pattern baldness.	Patterned hair loss typical of androgenic alopecia

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Alopecia areata, unspecified

L63.9Billable

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Alopecia universalisL63.1

Use when complete body hair loss is documented.

Cicatricial alopecia, unspecifiedL66.9

Use when biopsy confirms scarring.

Telogen effluviumL65.0

Use when hair shedding is diffuse and temporary.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Hair Loss.

Coding alopecia areata as nonspecific hair loss

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient's condition., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Incorrect reimbursement rates.

Mitigation

Ensure documentation specifies alopecia areata., Use specific codes when possible.

Using L65.9 for scarring alopecia

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to lower reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation

Use L66.9 if scarring is present.

Incorrect use of nonspecific codes

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific codes are applicable.

Mitigation

Educate staff on specific documentation requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with L63.9.

Alopecia→

Primary Code

L63.9

Alopecia areata, unspecified

Quick Navigation

ICD-10 codes8

Coding risks3

FAQs2

ICD-10 Coding for Hair Loss(L63.9, F63.3, L63.1)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for alopecia areata?

How do you code nonscarring hair loss?

Related condition guides