2025 ICD-10-CM code L03.0
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Infections - Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99) Feed
Cellulitis and acute lymphangitis of the finger and toe.
No modifiers directly apply to ICD-10 codes. Modifiers are used with procedural codes (CPT, HCPCS).
Medical necessity is established by the presence of an active bacterial or fungal infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the fingers or toes, evidenced by clinical findings (e.g., inflammation, pain, swelling) and lab results where applicable.Treatment may be necessary to prevent complications such as spread of infection, local tissue damage, and systemic involvement.
Diagnosis and treatment of the infection, including physical examination, ordering lab tests (e.g., cultures), prescribing antibiotics, managing pain and inflammation, and providing patient education.
In simple words: This code describes a bacterial infection of the skin and tissues under the skin in the fingers or toes. It causes swelling, redness, and pain, and sometimes red streaks appear along the lymph vessels. It usually happens after a minor injury to the skin.In adults, it is often caused by staphylococcus aureus.In chronic cases, Candida albicans may be the cause.
L03.0, Cellulitis and acute lymphangitis of finger and toe, refers to a bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue affecting the fingers or toes.It involves inflammation and swelling of the affected area, potentially accompanied by red streaks extending along the lymphatic vessels (lymphangitis). The infection usually stems from a minor injury or break in the skin, allowing bacteria (commonly Staphylococcus aureus) to enter.Symptoms can include pain, tenderness, erythema (redness), and swelling around the nail or in the affected area.Acute infection often arises from minor trauma to the fingertip. Chronic infections may be caused by Candida albicans.
Example 1: A 45-year-old male presents with a swollen, painful right index finger, erythema, and a red streak extending up his arm. Culture confirms Staphylococcus aureus.The physician diagnoses L03.0 and prescribes antibiotics., A 22-year-old female reports pain and swelling around her left toenail, accompanied by redness and tenderness.Clinical exam and culture identify a Candida albicans infection. The diagnosis is L03.0, and antifungal treatment is initiated., A 68-year-old diabetic patient develops cellulitis and lymphangitis in his great toe, possibly due to a minor injury.Because of underlying comorbidities, IV antibiotics are needed in the inpatient hospital setting.
Complete history and physical examination documenting the location, extent, and characteristics of the infection (e.g., erythema, swelling, pain, lymphangitis).Lab results (e.g., cultures, complete blood count) confirming the diagnosis.Notes on the treatment plan (e.g., antibiotics prescribed, duration of treatment).Any complications or comorbidities.
** Proper documentation is essential to ensure accurate coding and reimbursement.Differentiate L03.0 from other related conditions affecting the fingers or toes such as onychomycosis and paronychia.Always consult the current official ICD-10-CM guidelines for the most accurate coding practices.
- Revenue Code: Revenue codes will vary depending on the specific services provided and the payer.Consult your payer's guidelines and local coding conventions.
- RVU: RVUs are not directly associated with ICD-10 codes.Reimbursement depends on the procedures and services performed, and those would have associated RVUs, which vary by location and payer.
- Global Days: Not applicable to ICD-10 codes.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable to ICD-10 codes.
- Fee Schedule: Not applicable to ICD-10 codes.Reimbursement is determined by procedure codes and payer-specific fee schedules.
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Dermatology, Family Medicine, General Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Urgent Care Facility, Hospital (Inpatient or Outpatient),Other Place of Service (depending on clinical scenario)