Necrobiosis lipoidica, not elsewhere classified

This code represents a rare, chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by shiny, atrophic, yellowish-red plaques, often with telangiectasias, typically found on the lower legs. It involves degeneration of collagen and elastic fibers in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue.

Use this code when documentation specifies necrobiosis lipoidica without any explicit mention or confirmed diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. This diagnosis is often made clinically, but a skin biopsy may confirm the characteristic histopathological changes.

• Always review documentation for any mention of diabetes mellitus; if present, use the appropriate diabetes code with the specified manifestation.
• Do not use this code if the patient has diabetes and the necrobiosis lipoidica is considered a complication of their diabetes.
• Ensure the physician's documentation clearly states "necrobiosis lipoidica" and does not specify a diabetic etiology.