Keratoderma in diseases classified elsewhere

This code describes a thickening of the skin, specifically the stratum corneum, that occurs as a manifestation of another underlying systemic disease. It indicates a secondary keratoderma, where the primary pathology is not the skin condition itself but rather a different, classified disorder.

Apply this code when documentation clearly links keratoderma to an underlying systemic disease, such as certain autoimmune conditions, genetic syndromes, or metabolic disorders. The medical record must specify the associated disease for proper sequencing.

• Always sequence the underlying systemic disease first, followed by this code as a manifestation code.
• Carefully review documentation to ensure the keratoderma is explicitly stated as a secondary condition due to another disease, not a primary skin disorder.
• Be mindful of the Excludes1 notes; do not use this code for keratoderma specifically attributed to gonococcal infection or vitamin A deficiency.