2025 ICD-10-CM code L03.2
(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 face and neck.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the encounter and the services rendered.Consult the official modifier guidelines for appropriate usage.
Medical necessity is established when cellulitis or lymphangitis of the face and neck presents with clinical signs and symptoms warranting medical attention. This often involves redness, swelling, pain, and potential systemic symptoms.The extent of the infection and patient's risk factors (such as diabetes or immunocompromise) should be documented to justify treatment.
The clinical responsibility for this code lies with the physician who diagnoses and treats the cellulitis and lymphangitis. This includes history taking, physical examination, ordering and interpreting laboratory tests (if necessary), prescribing appropriate antibiotics, and monitoring the patient's response to treatment.
- Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99)
- L03.2 falls under the broader category of L00-L08: Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
In simple words: This code describes a bacterial infection in the skin and fatty tissue under the skin of the face and neck. It causes redness, swelling, and pain. Red streaks might also appear extending from the affected area.
This code represents cellulitis and acute lymphangitis affecting the face and neck. Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection characterized by inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue, presenting as a swollen, red, and painful area.Acute lymphangitis is inflammation of the lymphatic vessels, often accompanying cellulitis, appearing as red streaks extending from the infected area.The infection may result from a wound or break in the skin, allowing bacteria to enter.
Example 1: A 45-year-old male presents with a swollen, red, and painful area on his cheek after a minor shaving cut.The physician diagnoses cellulitis of the face (L03.2)., A 60-year-old female experiences a rapidly spreading area of redness and swelling on her neck, accompanied by red streaks extending towards her jawline. The physician diagnoses cellulitis and lymphangitis of the neck (L03.2)., An 18-year-old male sustains a dog bite to his face, leading to localized swelling, pain, and inflammation. After a few days, red streaks extend down his neck. The physician documents cellulitis and lymphangitis of the face and neck (L03.2).
* Detailed history of present illness, including onset, symptoms, and any potential source of infection.* Complete physical examination, noting the location, extent, and characteristics of the cellulitis and lymphangitis.* Documentation of any associated lymphadenopathy.* Results of any laboratory tests performed (e.g., blood cultures).* Treatment plan, including antibiotics prescribed and patient response.* Assessment of the wound, if present.
** This code should be used for cellulitis and acute lymphangitis specifically localized to the face and neck.If the infection extends beyond these areas, consider using a more appropriate code from the L03 series.
- Revenue Code: Revenue codes will vary depending on the specific services provided and payer.
- RVU: RVUs are not directly associated with ICD-10 codes.Reimbursement is determined by the procedures performed and other factors.
- 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.
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Dermatology, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Emergency Room - Hospital, Urgent Care Facility, Inpatient Hospital