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ICD-10 Coding for Cellulitis of the Buttock(L03.317)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cellulitis of the Buttock. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Buttock CellulitisGluteal Cellulitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cellulitis of the Buttock

L00-L08Primary Range

Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

This range includes codes for cellulitis and related skin infections, with L03.317 specifically for buttock cellulitis.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for cellulitis of the buttock

Essential facts and insights about Cellulitis of the Buttock

The ICD-10 code for cellulitis of the buttock is L03.317, used when the infection is confined to the buttock.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for cellulitis buttock

Cellulitis of buttock
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of erythema and swelling limited to the buttock region.

coding Criteria

  • Avoid using L03.90 when 'buttock' is documented.

Applicable To

  • Infection of the buttock skin and subcutaneous tissue

Excludes

  • Pilonidal cyst with abscess (L05.01)
  • Anal abscess (K61.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Erythema, warmth, tenderness, and swelling in the buttock region
  • Positive wound or blood cultures if systemic symptoms are present

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with pilonidal cyst or anal abscess codes
  • Using unspecified codes when location is documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'buttock' to avoid unspecified codes.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Staphylococcus aureus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B95.6
Use when cultures confirm Staphylococcus infection.

Cutaneous abscess of buttock

L02.3
Use when an abscess is present alongside cellulitis.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Cellulitis of back

L03.312
Use if infection extends beyond the gluteal fold to the back.

Anal abscess

K61.0
Use if there is perianal involvement or fistula.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cellulitis of the Buttock to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L03.317.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates that require location details., Educate providers on the importance of specificity.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'buttock' to use L03.317.

Impact

High risk of audits if unspecified codes are used when specific location is documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'buttock' to use L03.317.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Cellulitis of the Buttock, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Cellulitis of the Buttock

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Cellulitis of the Buttock. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Cellulitis with abscess

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Location and size of erythema
  • Presence of abscess or drainage
  • Laboratory results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Location: Right buttock; Size: 5x7cm erythema; Symptoms: Pain 7/10, warmth, no drainage; Tests: CRP 12 mg/dL, WBC 13.5k/μL; Treatment: IV ceftriaxone

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Buttock redness
Good Documentation Example
4x6cm erythematous, tender area on left buttock with + warmth; no fluctuance
Explanation
The good example provides specific location, size, and symptoms, improving coding accuracy.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Cellulitis of the Buttock? Ask your questions below.

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