Lepromatous leprosy [type L]

This code represents the most severe and contagious form of Hansen's disease, characterized by widespread skin lesions, nodules, and significant nerve damage. It involves a high bacterial load and a deficient cell-mediated immune response, leading to extensive tissue destruction if untreated.

Assign this code for patients diagnosed with lepromatous leprosy, confirmed by clinical presentation, skin smears showing numerous acid-fast bacilli, and histopathological findings. Documentation should clearly specify the type of leprosy as lepromatous, often noted as "multibacillary" or "type L."

• Differentiate from other forms of leprosy (e.g., tuberculoid, borderline) which have distinct ICD-9-CM codes.
• Ensure documentation specifies the type of leprosy; avoid using this code for unspecified or other forms.
• Consider sequencing with codes for associated complications, such as nerve damage (neuropathy) or eye involvement, if present.