Anesthesia of skin

This code signifies a loss of sensation in the skin, specifically referring to numbness or absence of feeling. It indicates a sensory deficit affecting the dermatological surface, without specifying a cause or underlying neurological condition.

This code is appropriate when documentation explicitly states "anesthesia of skin" or describes a localized area of skin numbness without a more specific diagnosis. It is often used as a symptom code when the etiology of the sensory loss is unknown or not yet definitively diagnosed.

• Do not use this code if a more specific diagnosis for the sensory loss (e.g., neuropathy, nerve injury) is documented.
• Consider sequencing this code after a definitive diagnosis if the anesthesia of skin is a symptom of that condition.
• Ensure documentation clearly distinguishes "anesthesia" (loss of sensation) from "paresthesia" (abnormal sensation like tingling or prickling).