What ICD-10 codes are used for skin tags?
Healthcare providers utilize specific ICD-10-CM codes to accurately diagnose and bill skin tags, which are common benign growths on the skin's surface. These small, harmless growths, also known as soft fibromas, cutaneous papillomas, skin tabs, or acrochordons, often appear as raised bumps on the skin. Accurate coding is critical for proper documentation and reimbursement.
Here are some commonly used ICD 10 codes for skin tags, along with brief clinical descriptions for each:
L91.8: Other hypertrophic disorders of the skin
This is the most commonly used code for skin tags, especially when they appear as soft growths or cutaneous papillomas on areas like the neck, eyelids, armpits, or groin. It falls under the category of hypertrophic skin disorders, which includes abnormal thickening or overgrowth of skin and subcutaneous tissue.
L91.9: Hypertrophic disorders of skin, unspecified
This code is used when a specific skin tag diagnosis is not documented. It serves as a more general code under disorders of the skin and is often considered when medical records lack detail.
K64.4: Residual hemorrhoidal skin tags
This specific code applies when residual skin tags remain after the resolution or treatment of hemorrhoids. Located in the anus or perianal region, these tags are considered part of other specified disorders in the skin and subcutaneous tissue around the rectum.
K64.4 supports documentation for patients undergoing evaluation or removal of skin tags in this region due to discomfort, hygiene issues, or related symptoms.
D23.9: Benign neoplasm of skin, unspecified
This code applies to benign neoplasms of skin unspecified and is sometimes used for unspecified skin tags when providers describe them as non-cancerous tumors or soft fibromas without identifying them as classic hypertrophic growths.
Though not the first-line code for skin tags, D23.9 may be appropriate when medical professionals determine that the skin tag has features of a benign neoplasm, especially if located in atypical areas or associated with other skin conditions.