2025 ICD-10-CM code L03.311
(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 of the abdominal wall.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the encounter and the services provided.
Medical necessity for treatment of L03.311 is established by the presence of an active bacterial infection of the abdominal wall requiring antibiotic therapy and other necessary treatments. The severity of infection, patient's risk factors (e.g., diabetes, immunocompromised status), and potential for complications determine the level of medical necessity.
The clinical responsibility for managing L03.311 involves diagnosing the infection (potentially through physical examination, imaging, and laboratory tests), prescribing appropriate antibiotic treatment, monitoring the patient's response to therapy, and managing any complications.
- Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99)
- L03.311 is part of the broader category of cellulitis and falls under the chapter encompassing diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99).
In simple words: Cellulitis of the abdominal wall is a skin infection in the area of your belly.It causes redness, swelling, and pain.It's important to see a doctor for treatment.
L03.311, Cellulitis of the abdominal wall, is a diagnosis code in the ICD-10-CM classification system.It refers to a bacterial infection of the skin and deeper subcutaneous tissues of the abdominal wall. This infection presents as localized inflammation, redness, swelling, and pain.The infection may spread to adjacent tissues.It is important to differentiate this from cellulitis in other areas of the body.Use additional code (B95-B97) to identify the infectious agent.
Example 1: A 55-year-old male presents with pain, redness, and swelling of the lower abdominal wall following a minor injury.Physical examination and imaging confirm the diagnosis of cellulitis. The patient is prescribed antibiotics and is advised on wound care., A 70-year-old female with diabetes is admitted to the hospital with severe cellulitis of the abdominal wall. The infection is extensive, and intravenous antibiotics are administered along with close monitoring for complications such as sepsis., A 30-year-old male presents with localized cellulitis of the abdominal wall following a surgical procedure. The physician determines the need for local wound care and oral antibiotics to treat the infection effectively.
Complete history and physical examination, including assessment of the patient’s overall health status and any underlying conditions. Detailed documentation of the location, size, and characteristics of the cellulitis.Results of any diagnostic tests (e.g., cultures, imaging studies). Documentation of the treatment plan, including prescribed antibiotics, duration of therapy, and response to treatment. Detailed description of any complications or adverse events.
** Always verify the most up-to-date coding guidelines and payer-specific requirements before submitting claims.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Specialties:Infectious disease, surgery, internal medicine, family medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital Inpatient, Hospital Outpatient, Emergency Room - Hospital, Urgent Care Facility