2025 ICD-10-CM code L03.115
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue - Cellulitis of other parts of limb Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99) Feed
Cellulitis of the right lower limb.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of service.Consult the specific payer's guidelines for details on appropriate modifier use.
Medical necessity for treatment of cellulitis is established based on the presence of clinical findings consistent with the diagnosis.These findings include localized skin infection with redness, swelling, pain, and warmth, sometimes accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever and chills.Untreated cellulitis can lead to serious complications, including sepsis, abscess formation, and potentially limb-threatening conditions.
Diagnosis and treatment of cellulitis by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. This includes physical examination, obtaining a detailed history, ordering laboratory tests (e.g., blood cultures), and prescribing appropriate antibiotic therapy.Management also may include wound care, pain management, and monitoring for complications.
In simple words: This code means a bacterial infection affecting the skin and tissues in the right leg (thigh, leg, or ankle area, not the foot or toes). It causes redness, swelling, pain, and warmth.The infection spreads quickly, sometimes causing fever and chills.
This ICD-10-CM code signifies cellulitis affecting the right lower extremity.Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection involving the deeper layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, characterized by redness, swelling, pain, and warmth at the affected site.The infection can spread rapidly and may be accompanied by fever and chills.This code specifically indicates the infection's location in the right lower limb, which encompasses the thigh, leg, and ankle, excluding the foot and toes which have separate codes.
Example 1: A 65-year-old male patient presents with a swollen, red, and painful right lower leg.The area is warm to the touch.The patient reports a recent insect bite in the area.The physician diagnoses cellulitis and prescribes oral antibiotics., A 32-year-old female patient develops cellulitis in her right lower leg after sustaining a minor cut while gardening.She experiences increasing pain, swelling, and redness.The physician orders blood cultures, initiates intravenous antibiotic therapy, and monitors the patient's response., A 78-year-old patient with chronic venous insufficiency develops cellulitis in her right lower leg.She has a history of multiple previous episodes of cellulitis.The physician performs a thorough examination, orders blood work, and prescribes a course of intravenous antibiotics.
A complete history and physical examination documenting the onset, location, and characteristics of the cellulitis.Detailed description of the affected area (size, color, temperature, tenderness).Documentation of any preceding injury or skin lesion.Results of any laboratory tests (e.g., complete blood count, blood cultures).Details of antibiotic treatment, including the type, dose, and duration of therapy.Documentation of the patient's response to treatment.
** Always refer to the latest official ICD-10-CM coding guidelines for the most accurate and up-to-date coding information.This information is for guidance only and does not constitute medical advice.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Dermatology, General Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Urgent Care Facility