2025 ICD-10-CM code L04
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Infectious Diseases - Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue Feed
Acute lymphadenitis, including acute abscesses of lymph nodes (excluding mesenteric).
Modifiers may be applied depending on the circumstances of the visit and services performed. For example, modifier -25 may be used to indicate that a significant, separately identifiable E/M service was performed in addition to the drainage of an abscess.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of clinical signs and symptoms consistent with acute lymphadenitis, including pain, swelling, and potential signs of infection.Appropriate diagnostic testing and treatment are required to address the infection and avoid potential complications such as abscess formation or spread of infection.
Diagnosis and treatment of acute infection of lymph nodes, including potential surgical intervention for abscess drainage or biopsy.May involve ordering laboratory tests (e.g., blood cultures, lymph node cultures) to identify causative organisms and guide antibiotic selection.
- Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
- L00-L08 (Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue)
In simple words: Acute lymphadenitis means a sudden infection and swelling of lymph nodes, usually causing pain.This doesn't include infections in the lymph nodes in the abdomen.
Acute lymphadenitis refers to inflammation and infection of one or more lymph nodes.This code includes acute abscess formation within the lymph nodes, but excludes mesenteric lymph node involvement.The condition is characterized by swollen, painful lymph nodes, potentially accompanied by fever and other systemic symptoms.It is essential to differentiate this from chronic or subacute lymphadenitis, and from generalized lymphadenopathy associated with conditions like HIV.
Example 1: A 30-year-old presents with a painful, swollen lymph node in the neck following a recent upper respiratory infection.The node is fluctuant (indicating pus), and the patient has a fever.L04 is coded, with the addition of a code specifying the infectious agent once identified by culture., A 15-year-old sustains a deep laceration to the arm.A few days later, they present with a localized area of cellulitis and a swollen, tender lymph node in the axilla (armpit).L04 is used along with a code to identify the suspected cause of infection from wound culture., A 55-year-old with a history of immunosuppression develops an acute, painful swelling of multiple lymph nodes in the groin.L04 is utilized, but further investigation is required to determine the underlying cause.Additional codes may be necessary for the suspected source of the infection (opportunistic pathogen).
Detailed history including onset, duration, and location of symptoms; physical examination findings (size, location, tenderness, fluctuation of lymph nodes); results of any laboratory tests (complete blood count, lymph node cultures, imaging studies); treatment rendered (e.g., antibiotics, surgical drainage).
** Consider using additional codes to capture the etiology (specific organism) and any associated complications.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, General Surgery, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital Inpatient, Hospital Outpatient, Urgent Care Facility