2025 ICD-10-CM code L03.9
Cellulitis and acute lymphangitis of unspecified site.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of signs and symptoms consistent with cellulitis and acute lymphangitis, such as erythema, edema, warmth, pain, and potentially systemic symptoms. The documentation should support the diagnosis and the chosen treatment plan.
Diagnosis and management of the skin and soft tissue infection, including assessment of the extent and severity of the cellulitis and lymphangitis, identifying the causative agent if possible, and initiating appropriate treatment, which may involve antibiotics, wound care, and pain management.Monitoring for complications such as abscess formation or systemic infection is crucial.
In simple words: This code indicates a skin infection with associated lymphatic vessel inflammation at a site not specified elsewhere.
This code represents a bacterial infection affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissue, accompanied by inflammation of the lymphatic vessels, at a location not otherwise specified.
Example 1: A patient presents with redness, swelling, and tenderness on their leg, with no clear point of origin or injury.The physician diagnoses cellulitis and acute lymphangitis, but the specific location isn't further specified, thus L03.9 is used., A patient with a history of intravenous drug use develops a spreading skin infection with associated red streaking along the lymphatic vessels.The precise location of the infection is not documented distinctly, leading to the application of code L03.9., Post-operatively, a patient develops signs of infection at the surgical site, but the documentation doesn't specify the exact anatomical location of the cellulitis and lymphangitis within the larger surgical field. L03.9 is used due to the lack of specific site information.
Documentation should clearly describe the clinical presentation of the cellulitis and lymphangitis, including the location, size, and appearance of the affected area, as well as any associated symptoms (e.g., fever, pain, lymphadenopathy).Lab results, cultures, and imaging findings should also be documented.
** Excludes cellulitis and acute lymphangitis at specific sites (L01-L03.8).Excludes2 conditions such as certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99), neoplasms (C00-D49), etc.
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Dermatology, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Urgent Care Facility, Outpatient Hospital