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2025 ICD-10-CM code L03.114

Cellulitis of the left upper limb.

Refer to the official ICD-10-CM coding guidelines for complete instructions on using this code.Be sure to use additional codes for the specific causative organism when identified.

Medical necessity for coding L03.114 is established by the presence of clinical findings consistent with cellulitis in the left upper limb. This could include evidence of infection, such as erythema, swelling, pain, and warmth to the touch.The severity of the infection dictates the level of intervention and further justifies medical necessity.

The clinical responsibility for this code involves diagnosing and treating cellulitis of the left upper limb.This would include physical examination, laboratory tests (if needed to identify the causative organism), and appropriate antibiotic therapy.Surgical intervention might be necessary in severe cases.

IMPORTANT:Related codes include those specifying cellulitis in other locations (e.g., L03.113 for right upper limb, L03.115 for right lower limb, etc.) and codes for specific infections (B95-B97) if the causative agent is known.

In simple words: This code describes a skin infection (cellulitis) in the left arm.This includes the upper arm, forearm, wrist, and hand.

This code is used to classify cellulitis affecting the left upper limb, encompassing the upper arm, forearm, wrist, and hand (including the back of the hand, palm, and fingers).It's crucial for accurate documentation and reimbursement, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of this prevalent condition.Additional codes may be necessary to identify the infectious agent (B95-B97).

Example 1: A 55-year-old male presents with localized erythema, swelling, and tenderness in his left forearm after a minor laceration.A diagnosis of cellulitis is made, and he is treated with oral antibiotics. Code L03.114 is used., A 70-year-old female with diabetes mellitus develops cellulitis in her left hand.The infection is severe, requiring intravenous antibiotics and surgical debridement. Code L03.114 is used., A 28-year-old male with a history of intravenous drug use presents with cellulitis affecting his left upper arm.Blood cultures reveal Staphylococcus aureus.Code L03.114 is used, along with an additional code to specify the causative organism.

Complete medical history, physical examination findings documenting erythema, swelling, tenderness, and location (left upper limb).Laboratory results (e.g., blood cultures, wound cultures) if obtained.Details of treatment administered (e.g., antibiotics, surgical intervention).Imaging studies (if performed).

** This code should only be used when the cellulitis is clearly localized to the left upper limb.If the infection is more diffuse, or involves other body regions, then additional codes should be used.

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