2025 ICD-10-CM code L08
Other local infections of skin and subcutaneous tissue.
Medical necessity for the use of L08 is established by the presence of a localized skin and subcutaneous tissue infection not classified elsewhere in L00-L08. The documentation must support the diagnosis and the need for medical intervention.
The physician is responsible for diagnosing the specific skin infection, identifying the causative organism if possible, and determining the appropriate treatment. This may involve obtaining cultures, prescribing antibiotics or antifungals, and recommending local wound care.
In simple words: This code represents other localized skin infections that are not classified under more specific types like boils or abscesses. It essentially covers any skin infection not described elsewhere in the code set.
This code encompasses local infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue that are not otherwise classified in the L00-L08 range.This includes infections not specifically classified as impetigo, erysipelas, cellulitis, acute lymphadenitis, cutaneous abscess, furuncle, and carbuncle. It is essential to use an additional code (B95-B97) to identify the infectious agent if known.
Example 1: A patient presents with a localized skin infection on their arm following a minor scratch.Cultures reveal Staphylococcus aureus. The infection doesn't fit the criteria for cellulitis, abscess, furuncle, or carbuncle, so it's coded as L08.0 (Pyoderma) with an additional code (B95.6) to specify the Staphylococcus aureus infection., A patient with diabetes develops a fungal infection on their foot.The infection is confirmed through microscopy and culture. Since the infection is not otherwise classified, it is coded as L08.8 (Other specified local infections of skin and subcutaneous tissue) with an additional code for the specific fungal agent (e.g., B35.1 for Tinea pedis)., A patient presents with an infected insect bite that has become locally inflamed and swollen.The infection is not cellulitis or an abscess, and the specific infectious agent is unknown.The condition is coded as L08.8.
Documentation should clearly describe the location, size, and appearance of the skin infection.Any diagnostic tests performed (e.g., cultures, microscopy) and their results should be documented.If the infectious agent is known, it should be specified. The documentation should also justify why the condition is not classified under a more specific code within L00-L08.
** For proper coding, it’s crucial to distinguish L08 from other specific skin infections categorized within the L00-L08 range. If the infection meets the criteria for a more precise diagnosis (e.g., cellulitis, abscess), that specific code should be used instead of L08.
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Dermatology, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Skilled Nursing Facility, Nursing Facility, Home, Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home, Telehealth Provided Other than in Patient’s Home