Cicatricial alopecia, unspecified

This code signifies a form of permanent hair loss resulting from the destruction of hair follicles and their replacement with scar tissue, where the specific type or cause of the scarring alopecia is not documented. It indicates an irreversible loss of hair in the affected areas due to an underlying inflammatory process that has damaged the follicular structures.

Utilize this code when the medical record clearly states a diagnosis of cicatricial alopecia, but further details regarding the specific subtype (e.g., lichen planopilaris, discoid lupus erythematosus) are absent or undetermined. Documentation supporting its use would include a physician's diagnosis of "cicatricial alopecia, unspecified" or "scarring alopecia, type unknown."

• Avoid using this code if a more specific type of cicatricial alopecia is documented; always code to the highest level of specificity.
• Review the medical record for any mention of underlying conditions (e.g., autoimmune diseases) that may be the cause of the scarring alopecia, as these may require additional codes.
• Do not confuse this with non-scarring alopecias (e.g., alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia) where the hair follicle is not permanently destroyed.