Alopecia areata, unspecified

This code represents an autoimmune condition characterized by non-scarring hair loss that can affect any hair-bearing area of the body. It involves the immune system mistakenly attacking hair follicles, leading to patchy or diffuse hair loss without an identifiable cause or specific pattern.

Use this code when the medical record documents a diagnosis of alopecia areata, but the specific type (e.g., totalis, universalis, ophiasis) is not specified by the provider. This code is appropriate when the documentation indicates the presence of the condition without further detail regarding its extent or pattern.

• Only use this code when the specific type of alopecia areata is not documented. If a more specific type is noted (e.g., alopecia totalis), use the corresponding, more precise code.
• Ensure the documentation clearly states "alopecia areata" to support the use of this code.
• Differentiate from other forms of non-scarring alopecia, such as telogen effluvium or androgenetic alopecia, which have distinct codes.