Lichen planus, unspecified

This code represents a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the skin, hair, nails, and/or mucous membranes, characterized by pruritic, polygonal, purple, planar papules and plaques. It is an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks cells of the skin or mucous membranes. The "unspecified" nature indicates that the specific type or location of lichen planus is not documented.

Use this code when the medical record clearly states a diagnosis of lichen planus without further specification of its clinical type (e.g., hypertrophic, erosive, follicular) or anatomical site. This code is appropriate when the provider's documentation is limited to "lichen planus" or "LP" without additional details.

• Avoid using this code if more specific documentation regarding the type or site of lichen planus is available (e.g., oral lichen planus, lichen planus of the nail).
• Review the entire medical record, including pathology reports, to identify any further specificity before assigning this unspecified code.
• Query the provider if the documentation is ambiguous and a more specific code could be supported.