2025 ICD-10-CM code L03.8
Cellulitis and acute lymphangitis of other sites. This code describes a bacterial infection affecting areas of the body not otherwise specified in the L03 series.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of signs and symptoms consistent with cellulitis and lymphangitis. The documentation should clearly indicate the need for treatment to prevent complications such as abscess formation, sepsis, or necrotizing fasciitis.
Clinicians diagnosing and treating L03.8 should document the location of the infection, the severity (e.g., mild, moderate, severe), the presence of any systemic symptoms (e.g., fever, chills), and the causative organism if known. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, wound care, pain management, and monitoring for complications.
- XII Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
- L00-L08 Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
In simple words: This code represents a bacterial skin infection combined with inflamed lymph vessels in a location not specified by other, more specific codes. It's a kind of infection that's located in a general area of the body rather than a particular body part like the finger.
Cellulitis and acute lymphangitis affecting body sites not specifically covered by codes L03.0 through L03.3.Cellulitis is a common, potentially serious bacterial skin infection. Lymphangitis is an inflammation of the lymphatic vessels, appearing as red streaks on the skin.This code indicates the combined presence of both conditions in an unspecified location, excluding areas like the fingers, toes, limbs, face, trunk, anal and rectal region, external auditory canal, eyelid, external genitalia, lacrimal apparatus, mouth, and nose.
Example 1: A patient presents with cellulitis and lymphangitis on the scalp., A patient develops cellulitis and lymphangitis at the site of a recent piercing on their ear., A patient with a compromised immune system develops cellulitis and lymphangitis on their back, with no clear point of entry for the infection.
Documentation should include the location and extent of the cellulitis and lymphangitis, the presence of any associated symptoms (e.g., pain, swelling, redness, warmth, fever), and any relevant medical history. If cultures are taken, the results should be documented.The documentation should support the medical necessity of the services provided.
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Dermatology, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home, Telehealth Provided Other than in Patient’s Home