ICD Code L81.4

ICD code L81.4 is other types of skin darkening caused by excess melanin that do not fit into more specific categories, such as melasma or postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.

1. Presence of localized or generalized areas of increased skin pigmentation not attributable to common conditions such as melasma or postinflammatory hyperpigmentation

2. Hyperpigmented lesions that do not fit the diagnostic criteria for more specific melanin disorders

3. Absence of underlying systemic disease directly causing the pigmentation

4. No evidence of drug-induced or chemical-induced hyperpigmentation

5. Clinical evaluation and history exclude other causes of melanin hyperpigmentation, such as Addison’s disease or hemochromatosis

6. Skin examination reveals abnormal melanin deposition without a clear etiology

7. Patient may report gradual or sudden onset of darker skin patches or spots

8. Lesions are typically asymptomatic, without associated pain, itching, or inflammation

Relevant CPT codes that may be used to treat ICD code L81.4 include:

- 17110: Destruction (e.g., laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), of benign lesions other than skin tags or cutaneous vascular proliferative lesions; up to 14 lesions

- 17111: Destruction of benign lesions other than skin tags or cutaneous vascular proliferative lesions; 15 or more lesions

- 96910: Photochemotherapy (e.g., PUVA) for skin disorders; tar and ultraviolet B (Goeckerman treatment) or petrolatum and ultraviolet B

- 96912: Photochemotherapy (e.g., PUVA) for skin disorders; psoralens and ultraviolet A (PUVA)

- 99201–99215: Evaluation and management (E/M) codes for office or other outpatient visits, depending on the complexity and time spent

CPT code selection should be based on the specific treatment rendered for L81.4.

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