Skin tags have the skin tag ICD 10 code of L91. 8 other hypertrophic disorders of the skin. Commonly situated in skin creases, including the neck, underarms, groin, and eyelids, skin tags, also identified as acrochordons, are small, soft, noncancerous growths.
Similarly, the result of rubbing, age, obesity, or diabetes, they are formed of blood vessels and collagen. Though benign, they might be taken off for cosmetic purposes or if they are inflamed. Ligation, excision, electrocautery (burning), or cryotherapy (freezing) are all possible removal approaches.
Accurate billing and documentation for coding for removal come with CPT codes 11200 and 11201, implemented together with ICD 10 L91.8. Read this interesting information till the end and gain more useful insights!
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags have the appearance of soft growths with the color of the skin, which hang off the person’s body. These are regarded as harmless benign tumors, showing up often in spots where skin rubs against skin, like the neck, armpits, groin, under the breasts, and so on. Skin tags are composed of collagen and blood vessels covered by skin, and they range in size from tiny but lumpy to a few millimeters in diameter.
It is a well-known fact that skin tags do not pose any threat, but they can become irritated now and then if some piece of clothing or jewelry catches on them. There are a few factors that might add to their prevalence, but to this day, the cause remains uncertain.
Those factors are excess weight, diabetes, and a history of skin tags in one’s family. Even though skin tags do not require treatment, some people opt for their removal for cosmetic purposes, which is usually performed by a physician via freezing, cutting off, or burning.
Billable Skin Tag ICD 10 Code
1. L91.8 – Other Hypertrophic Disorders of The Skin
This code lists several conditions of extra skin growths, including skin tags. Small, velvety growths that arise in regions where the skin folds are found are called skin tags. Although in certain situations their removal is justified, these bumps are mostly benign except when they become inflamed or not attractive.
2. D23.9 – Benign Neoplasm of Skin, Unspecified
These lines refer to growths on the skin or noncancerous tumors. It is employed when the exact kind of benign skin lesion is not known or not well-defined. While certain professionals might use this for skin tags, L91.8 is more exact.
3. L72.3 – Miliaria Rubra
Miliaria rubra, arising from blocked sweat glands, is more formally called heat rash or prickly heat. Usually visible in humid and warm conditions, it provokes red, itching papules. Miliaria rubra is independent of skin tags, therefore, this code will be wrong for them.
4. L91.0 – Hypertrophic Scar
This shows thick, high scars caused by excessive collagen production after skin damage. Hypertrophic scars are limited to the borders of the wound, unlike normal scars. Skin tags differ from scars, so the rule does not pertain to them.
5. L60.1 – Onychogryphosis
In this disease, the nails are thick, curved, and clawlike. Since it first affects the toenails, it mainly affects older adults or those with a history of foot damage. It concerns the nails, so it has no relationship with skin tags.
Non-Billable Skin Tag ICD 10 Code
1. Miliaria rubric L72.3
Miliaria rubra, which results from the obstruction of sweat ducts, is also called heat rash. Sweat kept under the skin results in red, itchy bumps on the skin during warm, muggy weather by blocking the sweat ducts. Usually affected areas include the back, chest, and neck. Too much sweating and friction causing skin irritation and inflammation is why it occurs. To control the condition, one should wear loose clothing, stay cool and dry, and steer clear of heat.
2. L91.0 – Hypertrophic Scars
Rising from increased collagen production following wound healing, hypersensitive scars are thick, raised marks. Although they are restricted to the site of the wound, these sorts of scars—particularly when over joints—can still be irritating in terms of pain, itchiness, or mobility limitation. Unlike keloids, these sorts of scars typically develop after deep cuts, burns, or surgery and can get better with time. In severe cases, surgical therapy is available together with silicone sheets, corticosteroid injections, and sometimes laser therapy.
3. L72.0 Cyst of the skin
Growing slowly and noncancerous, an epidermal cyst is a bump on the skin that develops as a result of blocked hair pores or skin injuries and gathers keratin. Often painless except if they get aggravated or infected, these cysts usually show on the face, neck, or trunk. Even if usually harmless, some of these lumps might be associated with rupturing, swelling, or redness, so they could warrant attention. Careful observation, drainage, or surgical excision could be management choices.
ICD-10 Code for Skin Tags Unspecified
It is used for skin tag ICD 10 code that includes skin tags (acrochordons) when not specified. Usually found on regions where the skin sags, like the neck, underarms, eyelids, and groin, skin tags are small, soft, harmless growths. Though benign, some people have skin tags removed for aesthetic purposes or if they get inflamed.
For medical billing and coding, a billable code is given in case skin tags are noted without additional specification: L91.8. Clear clinical records must be awful given to see to it that correct coding and reimbursement are followed. Some insurance companies might request extra clarification or supporting medical notes if a more precise diagnosis is needed.
ICD 10 Code for Removal of Skin Tags
The removal of skin tags does not have a particular skin tag ICD 10 code. ICD10 Code L91.8 – Other Hypertrophic Disorders of the Skin, which includes acrochordons (skin tags) when unspecified, is the category under which skin tags are classified.
It is found usually in regions of friction such the neck, underarms, eyelids, and groin, Skin tags are little, benign masses. Though they are not harmful, they could be cut to improve appearance or if they cause discomfort, pain, or infection.
So, frequently using CPT codes (Current Procedural Terminology), the elimination of skin tags for procedure coding is done in degrees and depends on how many tags are removed:
- 11200 – Removal of any 15 skin tags by any means (cryotherapy, excision, cautery).
- 11201: Elimination of every extra 10 skin tags (used together with 11200).
Final Thoughts
The skin tag ICD 10 code is L91.8, which is very important for medical billing and insurance claims. It helps healthcare providers record diagnoses exactly, therefore guaranteeing correct reimbursement for therapies or procedures like electrocautery, cryotherapy, or excision.
Lastly, several insurers regard skin tag removal as a cosmetic procedure; appropriate ICD10 and CPT codes (11200, 11201) are crucial for validating medical need. Proper coding enhances practice efficiency by avoiding invoice errors as well as by cutting down on denials and delays. Clear documentation—for example, signs of pain, bleeding, or irritability—supports assertions and raises the likelihood of insurance acceptance of surgically needed extractions.
