ICD-10-CM Code for Prior Nail Removal
For a patient with a history of nail removal, use ICD-10-CM code Z87.898 (Personal history of other specified conditions) or Z90.89 (Acquired absence of other organs) depending on whether the nail has regrown or remains absent.
Coding Approach
The appropriate code selection depends on the current clinical status:
If the Nail Has Regrown
- Z87.898 - Personal history of other specified conditions
- This captures the historical surgical procedure when the nail apparatus has regenerated
If the Nail Remains Absent
- Z90.89 - Acquired absence of other organs
- This is more appropriate when the nail has not regrown and there is a permanent anatomical absence
Additional Context-Dependent Codes
If the prior nail removal was related to a specific condition that is still relevant to current care, you should also code:
- L60.0 - Ingrowing nail (if the original indication was onychocryptosis)
- B35.1 - Tinea unguium/onychomycosis (if fungal infection was the cause)
- L60.8 - Other nail disorders (for other nail pathology)
Clinical Documentation Requirements
To support accurate coding, your documentation should specify:
- Which nail(s) were removed (finger vs. toe, specific digit)
- When the removal occurred
- Why it was performed (underlying diagnosis)
- Current status of the nail bed (regrown, partially regrown, absent)
- Type of removal (partial vs. complete nail plate removal, nail matrix involvement)
Common Pitfalls
Avoid using procedure codes alone - The question asks for a diagnostic/history code, not a CPT procedure code. The history of the procedure is what needs documentation, not the procedure itself.
Don't use injury codes - Codes from the S00-T88 range are for acute injuries, not historical procedures.
Specify laterality when possible - While Z codes often don't require laterality, documenting which specific nail was removed improves clinical clarity even if it doesn't change the ICD-10-CM code.