Spontaneous ecchymoses

This code describes the presence of spontaneous bruising or discoloration of the skin resulting from extravasation of blood into subcutaneous tissues, without a clear history of trauma. These ecchymoses appear without an identifiable external cause or injury.

Use this code when documentation indicates the patient presents with ecchymoses that are not attributed to an injury, medical procedure, or underlying systemic condition like a bleeding disorder. Supporting documentation should explicitly state the spontaneous nature of the bruising.

• Differentiate from traumatic bruising; if trauma is documented, a T-code for contusion should be used.
• Ensure the physician's documentation specifies "spontaneous" or "without trauma" to justify this code.
• Review for any underlying conditions (e.g., coagulopathy, medication side effects) that might be the cause of the spontaneous ecchymoses, and code those conditions first if they are the primary diagnosis.