2025 ICD-10-CM code L03.03
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue - Cellulitis of toe Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99) Feed
Cellulitis of the toe is a bacterial infection affecting the deep layers of skin in the toe.
Modifiers are not applicable to ICD-10-CM codes.
Medical necessity for the diagnosis of cellulitis is established by the presence of clinical findings consistent with the infection, such as localized swelling, redness, pain, and warmth.Laboratory confirmation (e.g., positive culture) may further support the diagnosis, but is not always required for establishing medical necessity.
Diagnosis and treatment of cellulitis of the toe falls under the responsibility of a physician, typically a primary care physician, dermatologist, or infectious disease specialist.Treatment might include antibiotics, wound care, and monitoring for complications.
In simple words: Cellulitis of the toe is a bacterial infection that causes swelling, redness, pain, and warmth in the toe.It's usually caused by bacteria entering a cut or sore on the toe.The infection needs to be treated to prevent spreading.
L03.03, Cellulitis of toe, in the ICD-10-CM classification, specifies a bacterial infection of the deep layers of skin tissue in one or more toes.This infection is characterized by localized swelling, redness, pain, and warmth to the touch. The causative agents are typically Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species, often entering through a break in the skin. The infection may spread to the lymphatic system if left untreated.Further specification may include laterality (right or left toe) or specify an unspecified toe if laterality is unknown.
Example 1: A 60-year-old diabetic patient presents with a swollen, red, and painful right great toe.The patient reports a minor injury to the toe several days prior.Physical examination reveals signs consistent with cellulitis.Laboratory testing confirms a bacterial infection.The physician diagnoses cellulitis of the right great toe (L03.032) and prescribes oral antibiotics., A 25-year-old patient presents with a red, swollen, and tender left second toe following a puncture wound from a foreign object.The patient reports worsening pain and swelling.The physician diagnoses cellulitis of the left second toe (L03.032) and initiates treatment with intravenous antibiotics due to the severity of the infection and systemic involvement., A 40-year-old patient presents with a swollen and painful toe after walking barefoot in the garden, the patient reports the pain started 2 days ago and has been worsening. No visible cuts are observed. The physician diagnoses cellulitis of the unspecified toe (L03.039) and prescribes antibiotics.
** Consider adding codes for any associated complications or comorbidities. Always consult the latest official ICD-10-CM coding guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
- Revenue Code: Revenue codes will vary depending on the payer and the specific services provided. Consult your payer's guidelines.
- RVU: RVUs are not directly associated with ICD-10 codes.Reimbursement is determined by the procedures and services provided and the payer's fee schedule.
- Global Days: Not applicable. This is a diagnosis code, not a procedural code.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable to ICD-10 codes
- Fee Schedule: Not applicable to ICD-10 codes
- Specialties:Primary Care, Dermatology, Infectious Disease
- Place of Service:Office, Urgent Care Facility, Emergency Room - Hospital, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital