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ICD-10 Coding for Cellulitis of the Left Lower Extremity(L03.116, L03.90)

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

Also known as:

Cellulitis of left legCellulitis of left footLeft lower limb cellulitis

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cellulitis of the Left Lower Extremity

L00-L08Primary Range

Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

This range includes all types of skin infections, with L03.116 specifically for cellulitis of the left lower limb.

T79-T79.9

Certain early complications of trauma

This range includes codes for post-traumatic infections that may accompany cellulitis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
L03.116Cellulitis of left lower limbUse when documentation specifies cellulitis of the left lower limb, including any part from thigh to foot.
  • Redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the left lower limb
  • Systemic signs such as fever or chills
  • Laboratory tests like elevated WBC or CRP
L03.90Cellulitis, unspecifiedUse only when the documentation does not specify the location or laterality of cellulitis.
  • General signs of cellulitis without specific location

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for cellulitis of left lower extremity

Essential facts and insights about Cellulitis of the Left Lower Extremity

The ICD-10 code for cellulitis of the left lower extremity is L03.116, used when the condition is specifically documented as affecting the left lower limb.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cellulitis left lower extremity

L03.116
Cellulitis of left lower limb
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of erythema, swelling, and warmth in the left lower limb

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation specifies 'left lower limb' or specific parts like 'left leg'

Applicable To

  • Cellulitis of left thigh
  • Cellulitis of left leg
  • Cellulitis of left ankle
  • Cellulitis of left foot

Excludes

  • Cellulitis of right lower limb (L03.115)
  • Unspecified cellulitis (L03.90)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the left lower limb
  • Systemic signs such as fever or chills
  • Laboratory tests like elevated WBC or CRP

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified codes when laterality is documented
  • Incorrect sequencing with traumatic wound codes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the exact location and laterality to avoid unspecified codes.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

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

Post-traumatic wound infection

T79.3
Use when cellulitis is secondary to a traumatic wound.

Differential Codes

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

Cellulitis of left ankle

L03.113
Use when cellulitis is specifically limited to the left ankle without proximal spread.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cellulitis of the Left Lower Extremity to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L03.116.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment focus, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff to document laterality, Use templates that prompt for specific details

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health records

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the exact location and use specific codes like L03.116.

Impact

Frequent use of unspecified codes can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies laterality and exact location.

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 Left Lower Extremity, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Cellulitis of the Left Lower Extremity

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

Emergency Department Visit for Cellulitis

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Location and laterality of cellulitis
  • Symptoms such as erythema, warmth, and swelling
  • Systemic signs like fever
  • Any underlying conditions or causes

Example Documentation

Patient presents with erythema and swelling of the left lower leg, extending from the ankle to the mid-calf. Temperature is 101°F. No history of trauma or insect bites.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has red, swollen left leg.
Good Documentation Example
Erythematous, indurated plaque measuring 8x15 cm on left lateral calf with peau d’orange texture. Temperature 101.2°F, WBC 14.2k/μL.
Explanation
The good example provides specific measurements, systemic signs, and lab results, which are crucial for accurate coding.

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