Learn about cellulitis of finger diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding, and treatment. Find information on finger cellulitis, paronychia with cellulitis, onychia with cellulitis, and related infections. This resource provides healthcare professionals with key details for accurate diagnosis and coding of finger cellulitis conditions.
Also known as
Cellulitis of finger and toe
Bacterial skin infection of finger or toe.
Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
Localized or systemic skin and tissue infections.
Shoulder lesions
Includes various shoulder joint and soft tissue disorders, excluding rotator cuff syndromes.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the cellulitis associated with paronychia or onychia?
Yes
Paronychia?
No
Which finger?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Bacterial skin infection of the finger. |
| Infection of the nail fold. |
| Infection of the nail bed. |
Coding requires specifying the finger involved (e.g., right index finger) and laterality for accurate reimbursement and data analysis. Missing detail impacts severity.
ICD-10 differentiates paronychia/onychia with cellulitis. Incorrect coding may lead to rejected claims or inaccurate infection tracking. Review documentation.
Documenting the causative organism (if known) improves coding specificity and allows for targeted treatment and infection control measures, impacting quality reporting.
Q: How can I differentiate between finger cellulitis, paronychia, and felon, and what are the key clinical features to look for in each?
A: Differentiating between finger cellulitis, paronychia, and felon requires careful assessment of the infection's location and presentation. Finger cellulitis is a diffuse soft tissue infection affecting the finger, characterized by erythema, edema, and warmth extending beyond the nail fold. Paronychia involves infection of the nail fold, presenting with localized swelling, tenderness, and possible purulent drainage. Felon is an abscess within the pulp space of the fingertip, exhibiting throbbing pain, tense swelling, and potential fluctuance. Distinguishing features include the affected area (nail fold vs. pulp space vs. diffuse), the presence of fluctuance suggesting abscess formation, and the severity of systemic symptoms. Explore how imaging studies like ultrasound can help delineate the extent of infection and guide treatment decisions. Consider implementing a standardized assessment protocol in your practice to ensure accurate diagnosis and prompt management of these finger infections.
Q: What are the recommended antibiotic treatment options for cellulitis of the finger, including situations with MRSA concerns or involvement of the tendon sheath?
A: Antibiotic choices for finger cellulitis depend on the severity of infection and local resistance patterns. For uncomplicated cases without systemic signs or MRSA risk, oral antibiotics like cephalexin or dicloxacillin are often sufficient. However, if MRSA is suspected or present, consider oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, doxycycline, or clindamycin. For severe infections, those involving the tendon sheath (flexor tenosynovitis), or in immunocompromised patients, intravenous antibiotics like vancomycin or daptomycin may be necessary. Learn more about the importance of obtaining cultures and sensitivities when possible to guide antibiotic selection. Consider implementing local guidelines for empiric antibiotic therapy based on your institution's antibiogram.
Patient presents with signs and symptoms consistent with cellulitis of the finger. The affected finger exhibits erythema, edema, and tenderness to palpation. Warmth and induration are noted, and the patient reports pain ranging from mild to moderate. Possible contributing factors explored include recent trauma, nail biting, manicure, or existing paronychia or onychia. Differential diagnoses considered include felon, herpetic whitlow, and gout. The patient's temperature is within normal limits, and no regional lymphadenopathy is appreciated. Treatment plan includes oral antibiotics such as cephalexin or dicloxacillin, elevation of the affected extremity, and warm soaks. Patient education provided on wound care and signs of worsening infection, with instructions to return for follow-up if symptoms do not improve within 48-72 hours. ICD-10 code L03.01 is considered. The prognosis is good with appropriate treatment. Plan to monitor for potential complications such as abscess formation, osteomyelitis, or tenosynovitis.