Keloid scar

This code represents a keloid, which is an overgrowth of scar tissue that extends beyond the original wound boundaries. It is characterized by a raised, firm, and often itchy or painful lesion that can develop after skin injury, surgery, or even minor trauma. Unlike hypertrophic scars, keloids do not regress spontaneously and can continue to grow over time.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates the presence of a keloid scar. This typically applies to patients presenting with a history of skin trauma or surgery followed by the development of an abnormally large and spreading scar. Supporting documentation would include physician notes describing the lesion's characteristics, location, and its extension beyond the original wound margins.

• Differentiate from hypertrophic scars, which are raised but remain within the boundaries of the original wound; keloids extend beyond.
• Specify the anatomical site of the keloid if further detail is available in the documentation, though 701.4 itself is a general code.
• Consider an external cause code (E-code) if the keloid resulted from a specific injury or trauma, for more complete reporting.