How to code cellulitis of the left calf?

Use ICD-10 code L03.111 for cellulitis of the left calf, ensuring documentation specifies 'calf'.

What is the ICD-10 code for cellulitis of the left lower leg?

The ICD-10 code for cellulitis of the left lower leg is L03.116, which covers the entire lower limb including the thigh, leg, ankle, and foot.

How do you code cellulitis of the left calf?

For cellulitis specifically located in the left calf, use ICD-10 code L03.111. Ensure documentation specifies 'calf' to avoid coding errors.

What is the ICD-10 code for cellulitis of the left lower leg?

The ICD-10 code for cellulitis of the left lower leg is L03.116, which covers the entire lower limb including the thigh, leg, ankle, and foot.

How do you code cellulitis of the left calf?

For cellulitis specifically located in the left calf, use ICD-10 code L03.111. Ensure documentation specifies 'calf' to avoid coding errors.

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ICD-10 Coding for Cellulitis of the Left Lower Leg(L03.116, L03.111)

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

Also known as:

Infection of the Left Lower LegLeft Leg Cellulitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cellulitis of the Left Lower Leg

L03.1Primary Range

Cellulitis and acute lymphangitis

This range includes codes for cellulitis affecting various parts of the body, including the lower limb.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

Code	Description	When to Use	Key Documentation
L03.116	Cellulitis of left lower limb	Use when documentation states 'cellulitis of left lower leg' or 'infection extending from knee to ankle'.	Erythema, warmth, and tenderness of the left lower leg WBC >10,000/mm³ Fever and chills
L03.111	Cellulitis of calf	Use when documentation specifies 'cellulitis of calf'.	Localized erythema and tenderness in the calf area Positive culture for causative organism

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 left lower leg

Essential facts and insights about Cellulitis of the Left Lower Leg

The ICD-10 code for cellulitis of the left lower leg is L03.116, covering the entire lower limb.

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

L03.116

Cellulitis of left lower limb

Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

Documentation must specify 'left lower leg' or equivalent.

Applicable To

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

Excludes

Abscess of left lower limb (L02.416)

Clinical Validation Requirements

Erythema, warmth, and tenderness of the left lower leg
WBC >10,000/mm³
Fever and chills

Code-Specific Risks

Using unspecified codes when specific location is documented

Coding Notes

Ensure documentation specifies the exact location and laterality.

View Full Code Details

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 if culture confirms Staphylococcus aureus.

Streptococcus, group A, as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B95.0

Use if culture confirms Streptococcus.

Differential Codes

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

Cellulitis of calf

L03.111

Use if documentation specifies 'cellulitis of calf' or 'mid-leg'.

Cellulitis of left lower limb

L03.116

Use if infection extends beyond the calf.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cellulitis of the Left Lower Leg 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 plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document left or right side., Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Always use the most specific code available based on documentation.

Impact

Audits may focus on whether the documentation supports the specific code used.

Mitigation Strategy

Use detailed templates and training to ensure precise documentation.

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 Leg, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Cellulitis of the Left Lower Leg

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

Emergency Department Visit

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

Location: Left lower leg
Symptoms: Erythema, warmth, tenderness
Systemic signs: Fever, chills
Labs: WBC count

Example Documentation

Patient presents with erythema, swelling, and tenderness of the left lower leg, extending from mid-calf to ankle. Warmth noted on palpation. No abscess formation. WBC 14,000. Diagnosed as cellulitis of left lower leg (L03.116).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example

Left leg red and swollen.

Good Documentation Example

5x7 cm erythematous, tender area on left lower calf with warmth. No abscess. WBC 13,500. Diagnosed as cellulitis of left calf (L03.111).

Explanation

The good example provides specific location, size, and clinical findings, supporting accurate coding.

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ICD-10 Coding for Cellulitis of the Left Lower Leg(L03.116, L03.111)

Quick Navigation

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

L03.1Primary Range

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Clinical Decision Support

Key Information: ICD-10 code for cellulitis left lower leg

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

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

Applicable To

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

Code-Specific Risks

Coding Notes

L03.111 - Cellulitis of calf

Applicable To

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

Coding Notes

Ancillary Codes

Differential Codes

Documentation & Coding Risks

Failing to document laterality

Impact

Mitigation Strategy

Using unspecified codes when specific location is documented

Impact

Mitigation Strategy

Specificity of Location

Impact

Mitigation Strategy

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation Templates for Cellulitis of the Left Lower Leg

Emergency Department Visit

Required Elements

Example Documentation

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example

Good Documentation Example

Explanation

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