AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS - 2026 Issue 2; Ask the Editor
Lichen Planus of the Esophagus
A patient with a history of lichen planus (LP) of the esophagus and squamous cell carcinoma in the proximal to mid esophagus presented for a follow up visit due to progressive symptoms of dysphagia, vomiting, and weight loss. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed and the patient was found to have recurrence of active LP. When referencing the ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index, under Lichen, planus, code L43.9, Lichen planus, unspecified, is provided. However, it doesn’t seem appropriate to assign code L43.9 given that this code is classified in Chapter 12, Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, of ICD-10-CM. How is LP of the esophagus coded? ...
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Article Overview
This article explains the coding question raised by lichen planus involving the esophagus and discusses the ICD-10-CM classification issue that comes up when the condition is indexed under a skin-related entry. It is useful for coding professionals and clinical documentation staff who need to understand the appropriate diagnosis code family for this uncommon presentation and why the usual index lookup may not be the final answer.
Why This Topic Matters
Esophageal manifestations of conditions that are more commonly associated with the skin can create indexing and classification confusion. Accurate diagnosis coding supports consistent recordkeeping and downstream claims processing for gastrointestinal encounters.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames the ICD-10-CM indexing issue for esophageal lichen planus
- Why the condition is discussed in relation to different ICD-10-CM chapter groupings
- What general type of diagnosis classification the article addresses for this rare presentation of disease
- How the article approaches coding of an uncommon esophageal finding in a brief Q&A format
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Clinical documentation improvement specialists
- Revenue cycle staff
- Healthcare providers documenting diagnoses
Codes Discussed
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