R233 - Spontaneous bruising or bleeding under the skin

International Classification of Diseases

Last updated: 5/22/2026

What is a ICD-10 Code?

ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) codes are used to classify and code all diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures recorded in association with hospital care. These codes provide a standardized way to track health conditions and their treatment outcomes.

Detailed Description

This code represents spontaneous ecchymoses, which means bruising or bleeding that occurs under the skin without an obvious cause or injury. Ecchymoses appear as purple, blue, or black patches on the skin where blood has leaked from damaged blood vessels. The term 'spontaneous' indicates that these bruises develop without trauma or known injury. This can sometimes occur in newborns (neonatal cutaneous hemorrhage) or may be related to various underlying conditions affecting blood clotting or blood vessel integrity.

Additional Information

Spontaneous bruising may warrant investigation to rule out bleeding disorders, medication side effects, or other underlying conditions. Patients should report any unexplained bruising to their healthcare provider.

Category

Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings

Medical Specialty

Dermatology, Hematology, Internal Medicine

Expected Costs

Your actual cost will depend on your insurance coverage, provider location, and specific circumstances.

What's Required Before This

  • Physical examination
  • Medical history review
  • Possible blood work to rule out bleeding disorders

What to Expect After

  • Monitor for additional bruising
  • Follow up with healthcare provider if bruising worsens or spreads
  • Potential referral to hematologist if underlying bleeding disorder suspected

Why Understanding This Code Matters

On Your Medical Bill

This code appears on your medical bills to identify the specific service, procedure, drug, or medical diagnosis you received. Understanding what it means helps you verify you're being charged correctly and know what to expect.

For Your Health

Knowing what this code represents helps you understand your treatment plan, ask better questions during appointments, and track your healthcare journey more effectively.

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