EC Coding & Classification Systems 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which ICD-10-CM code is most commonly used to document hypertrichosis as the diagnosis for electrolysis treatment?
- L68.0
- L68.1
- L68.9 (Correct answer)
- L60.3
Correct answer: L68.9
L68.9 (Hypertrichosis, unspecified) is the most broadly applicable ICD-10-CM code when a more specific type is not documented.
Question 2: ICD-10 code L68.0 specifically classifies which condition relevant to electrolysis clients?
- Hypertrichosis lanuginosa
- Hirsutism (Correct answer)
- Polytrichia
- Pseudofolliculitis barbae
Correct answer: Hirsutism
L68.0 is assigned to Hirsutism, the androgen-dependent excess hair growth pattern commonly treated with electrolysis.
Question 3: When documenting electrolysis for a transgender client as medically necessary, which CPT code range covers most electrolysis procedures billed to insurance?
- 17000–17004
- 17380 (Correct answer)
- 11900–11901
- 96900
Correct answer: 17380
CPT 17380 (Electrolysis epilation, each 30 minutes) is the standard billing code for electrolysis when seeking insurance reimbursement.
Question 4: A client record is classified as 'active' versus 'inactive' typically based on what standard timeframe without a visit?
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 12 months (Correct answer)
- 24 months
Correct answer: 12 months
Most professional electrolysis practices classify a client as inactive if no appointment has occurred within 12 months.
Question 5: Which classification best describes the galvanic modality in electrolysis treatment coding?
- Thermolytic epilation
- Direct current chemical epilation (Correct answer)
- High-frequency oscillating epilation
- Blend multi-modality epilation
Correct answer: Direct current chemical epilation
Galvanic electrolysis uses direct current (DC) to produce lye (sodium hydroxide) that chemically destroys the hair follicle.
Question 6: In electrolysis record-keeping classification, 'contraindication noted' on an intake form requires the electrologist to:
- Proceed with treatment but document the finding
- Obtain a physician release before treatment (Correct answer)
- Refuse all services permanently
- Use a lower intensity setting only
Correct answer: Obtain a physician release before treatment
When a contraindication is noted, standard practice requires written physician clearance before the electrologist proceeds with services.
Question 7: Which body region classification requires the most detailed documentation in electrolysis records due to sensitivity and scope-of-practice overlap?
- Lower leg
- Underarm
- Face and neck
- Genital area (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Genital area
Genital area electrolysis requires the most thorough documentation because of sensitivity, legal considerations, and scope-of-practice restrictions that vary by state.
EC Coding & Classification Systems 2
Which ICD-10-CM code is most commonly used to document hypertrichosis as the diagnosis for electrolysis treatment?