Leprosy in ICD 10

Leprosy Mailing List,
May 20th, 2009
Ref.: Leprosy in ICD 10
From: Frankel R. I., Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

Dear Dr Noto,

I agree with Dr Al Aboud (LML May 18th, 2009) that it would be better to have separate codes for Type 1 (reversal) and Type 2 (erythema nodosum leprosum) leprosy reactions. Since no codes are provided in Section A30 of Chapter I, one can use the following from Chapter III.

D89.8 Other specified disorders involving the immune mechanism, not elsewhere classified

D89.9 Disorder involving the immune mechanism, unspecified In addition, health care providers may have occasion to use Z codes in Chapter XXI when screening individuals suspected of having leprosy, contacts of leprosy, or populations thought to be at increased risk. Codes can include

Z00.8 Other general examinations Health examination in population surveys or

Z02.9 Examination for administrative purposes, unspecified for those who are asymptomatic and

Z03.8 Observation for other suspected diseases and conditions

for those who are screened because of a skin (or other) lesion but felt not to have leprosy or at least not to require any treatment for leprosy or its complications. Thank you.

Richard I. Frankel, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.P.
Emeritus Professor of Medicine
University of Hawai'i