2025 ICD-10-CM code L03
Cellulitis and acute lymphangitis. Excludes2: cellulitis of anal and rectal region (K61.-) cellulitis of external auditory canal (H60.1) cellulitis of eyelid (H00.0) cellulitis of female external genital organs (N76.4) cellulitis of lacrimal apparatus (H04.3) cellulitis of male external genital organs (N48.2, N49.-) cellulitis of mouth (K12.2) cellulitis of nose (J34.0) eosinophilic cellulitis [Wells] (L98.3) febrile neutrophilic dermatosis [Sweet] (L98.2) lymphangitis (chronic) (subacute) (I89.1)
Medical necessity for treatment is established by the presence of clinical signs and symptoms consistent with cellulitis or lymphangitis, along with consideration of the patient's overall health status and the potential for complications if left untreated.
Physicians who typically manage cellulitis and lymphangitis include primary care physicians, emergency medicine physicians, dermatologists, and infectious disease specialists. Their responsibilities involve diagnosing the condition, prescribing appropriate antibiotics, monitoring the infection's response to treatment, and providing patient education on wound care and prevention.
- Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99)
- L00-L08: Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
In simple words: Cellulitis and acute lymphangitis are skin infections that cause redness, swelling, and pain.
Cellulitis and acute lymphangitis are bacterial infections affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissues, often caused by Streptococcus or Staphylococcus species. Cellulitis involves inflammation of the dermis and subcutaneous fat, while lymphangitis is an inflammation of the lymphatic vessels. Both conditions can cause localized redness, swelling, pain, and warmth.
Example 1: A 45-year-old male presents with a red, swollen, and painful area on his lower leg following a minor scrape. The physician diagnoses cellulitis., A 60-year-old female with diabetes develops a foot infection that spreads rapidly, involving the lymphatic vessels. She is diagnosed with cellulitis and acute lymphangitis. , A 25-year-old athlete presents with redness, pain, and swelling in his arm after a skin abrasion sustained during practice. He is diagnosed with lymphangitis.
Documentation should include the location and size of the affected area, the presence of any associated symptoms (e.g., fever, chills, lymphadenopathy), the patient's medical history (including any predisposing factors such as diabetes or immunocompromise), and the results of any laboratory tests or imaging studies.
- Specialties:Primary Care, Emergency Medicine, Dermatology, Infectious Disease
- Place of Service:Office, Home, Inpatient Hospital, On Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Independent Clinic, Federally Qualified Health Center, Rural Health Clinic