What is the ICD-10 code for cellulitis?

The ICD-10-CM code for cellulitis is L03.90 when documented without further specification. More specific documentation changes the code — see the scenario table.

Yes — L03.90 is a billable ICD-10-CM code, but payers expect the most specific code the documentation supports.

ICD-10 Code for cellulitis

The ICD-10-CM code for cellulitis is L03.90 when documented without further specification. Cellulitis codes in category L03 are organized by body site, so L03.90 (unspecified site) is a last resort. Documenting the site - and laterality where the code offers it - drives selection (e.g., L03.011 right finger vs L03.012 left finger).

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Symptom code vs. confirmed diagnosis

Cellulitis is a diagnosis; documentation of the specific body site (and laterality where offered) is required to move past the unspecified L03.90.

Which Code Should You Use?

L03.90 ✓ Billable — Cellulitis, unspecified

Cellulitis, unspecified site.

L03.011 ✓ Billable — Cellulitis of right finger

Cellulitis of right finger.

L03.012 ✓ Billable — Cellulitis of left finger

Cellulitis of left finger.

L03.019 ✓ Billable — Cellulitis of unspecified finger

Cellulitis of unspecified finger (finger documented, side not stated).

What to Document

Anatomic site - L03 subdivides by body site (finger, toe, face, neck, trunk, limb); the site drives the subcategory.
Laterality (right/left/unspecified) where the site code offers it.
Cellulitis versus acute lymphangitis - distinct codes within L03.
Chronicity or "multiple sites, so stated," if documented.

Common Documentation Pitfalls

L03.90 is a last resort - assign a site-specific code when the location is documented.
Cellulitis and acute lymphangitis are separate codes under L03 - don't conflate them.
Where a code offers laterality (e.g., L03.011 vs L03.019), an unspecified-side code isn't a substitute when the side is documented.

Also Known As

Official ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index terms that point to L03.90:

Cellulitis (diffuse) (phlegmonous) (septic) (suppurative)
Cellulitis (diffuse) (phlegmonous) (septic) (suppurative) › chronic
Cellulitis (diffuse) (phlegmonous) (septic) (suppurative) › multiple sites, so stated

Coding Notes

L03 is organized by anatomic site, with laterality where applicable. L03.90 is the unspecified-site default. Acute lymphangitis is coded separately within L03. When cellulitis complicates a specific wound or ulcer, follow the documentation for that underlying condition.