L40.0 – Psoriasis vulgaris | ICD-10-CM

L40.0 Diagnosis Code: Psoriasis vulgaris

• L40.0 is a billable ICD-10-CM code for healthcare diagnosis reimbursement of psoriasis vulgaris. 
• The ICD-10-CM version L40.0 is used to diagnose psoriasis vulgaris classified in America. The code for the corresponding diagnosis may differ internationally.
• The code is valid until the end of the fiscal year 2023. 

• It’s under the category “Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.” More specifically, it’s under “Papulosquamous disorders.”
• Practitioners can use this code when the patient has psoriasis vulgaris, also called plaque psoriasis, the most common type of psoriasis.

Is L40.0 Billable?

Yes, L40.0 is billable for insurance reimbursement purposes

Clinical Information

• Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition and autoimmune disorder wherein rashes, scaly, itchy patches that are red or silver in color appear in areas like elbows, knees, and lower back. 
• What causes psoriasis is still unknown, but it’s hereditary and can be triggered by smoking, alcohol, stress, medicine, injury, and particular food. 
• There are different types of psoriasis; what differentiates them are the symptoms' appearance and location. 
• The symptoms of psoriasis vulgaris, the most common type, are patches of red, dry, itchy, raised skin with silvery scales on the arms, legs, elbows, knees, trunk, scalp, and genitals. Aside from that, the patient’s nails may also be pitted, thick, and separated from the nail beds. It’s important to note that the color of the patches and scales may differ depending on the patient’s skin color. 
• Though itchiness is the most common symptom, other symptoms may be stinging or burning in the patchy areas. 
• Aside from asking the patient’s medical history, the practitioner may also conduct a physical examination and skin biopsy. 
• Treatments for psoriasis vulgaris include phototherapy; topicals like steroid cream, vitamin D, cream, retinoids, and moisturizing creams; prescription injections or anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medicines.

Synonyms Include:

• Plaque psoriasis
• Chronic small plaque psoriasis
• Chronic large plaque psoriasis
• Actively extending plaque psoriasis

Other ICD-10 Codes Commonly Used for Psoriasis 

• L40.1: Generalized postural psoriasis
• L40.2 Acrodermatitis continua
• L40.3: Pustulosis palmaris et plataris
• L40.4 Guttate psoriasis
• L40.5: Arthropathic psoriasis
• L40.8: Other psoriasis
• L40.9: Psoriasis, unspecified