Stevens-Johnson syndrome

This code represents Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), a severe, acute mucocutaneous reaction characterized by widespread epidermal detachment, typically involving less than 10% of the total body surface area. It is often triggered by medications or infections and presents with fever, malaise, and painful blistering lesions on the skin and mucous membranes.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. This diagnosis is supported by findings of epidermal detachment affecting less than 10% of the body surface, along with characteristic skin and mucosal lesions.

• Differentiate from Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which involves greater than 30% epidermal detachment.
• Code any associated adverse drug reaction (ADR) using an external cause code (e.g., T36-T50 with a 5th or 6th character indicating adverse effect).
• Sequencing typically places the SJS code first, followed by any associated conditions or complications.