Cholestatic pruritus

This code represents severe itching (pruritus) that arises as a symptom of cholestasis, a condition where bile flow from the liver is impaired. The pruritus is typically generalized, often worse at night, and can be debilitating for the patient. It is a direct consequence of the accumulation of bile acids in the skin.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states "cholestatic pruritus" or when pruritus is directly attributed to an underlying cholestatic condition, such as primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, or drug-induced cholestasis. The physician's assessment should clearly link the itching to the impaired bile flow.

• Do not use this code for generalized pruritus without a documented link to cholestasis; use codes from L29.0-L29.9 for unspecified pruritus.
• Always code the underlying cholestatic condition first, as it is the primary diagnosis causing the pruritus.
• Ensure documentation specifies "cholestatic" to differentiate from other causes of pruritus.