Calcinosis cutis

This code represents the deposition of insoluble calcium salts within the skin and subcutaneous tissues. It manifests as firm, whitish papules, plaques, or nodules that can be asymptomatic or cause pain, ulceration, and infection. Calcinosis cutis can be idiopathic or secondary to various underlying conditions.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates the presence of calcium deposits within the skin. This includes cases of dystrophic calcinosis (e.g., associated with connective tissue diseases, trauma), metastatic calcinosis (e.g., hypercalcemia), iatrogenic calcinosis, and idiopathic calcinosis. Supporting documentation should describe the skin lesions and, ideally, the histological confirmation or clinical diagnosis of calcinosis cutis.

• Always code the underlying condition when calcinosis cutis is secondary (e.g., scleroderma, dermatomyositis, chronic kidney disease).
• Do not confuse with ossification of the skin (e.g., osteoma cutis), which involves bone formation rather than calcium deposition.
• Specify the site of calcinosis if documented, using additional codes if necessary for associated symptoms like ulceration or pain.