Learn about left leg cellulitis diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (L03.111, L03.112, L03.113, L03.119), medical coding, treatment, and healthcare guidelines. Understand the signs, symptoms, and differential diagnosis for accurate clinical documentation and appropriate medical coding for left leg cellulitis. Find information on healthcare best practices related to cellulitis of the left lower extremity, including diagnosis and management.
Also known as
Diseases of the skin and subcu
Includes infections like cellulitis and skin disorders.
Diseases of veins, lymph vessels
Covers conditions affecting circulation, potentially related to cellulitis spread.
Other bacterial diseases
Includes streptococcal and staphylococcal infections, common causes of cellulitis.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the cellulitis of the left leg only?
Yes
Any associated lymphangitis?
No
Does cellulitis involve other sites also?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Left leg cellulitis |
| Left leg erysipelas |
| Left leg abscess |
Coding cellulitis without specifying left leg laterality leads to inaccurate data and potential claim denials. Use L03.115 for correct coding.
Lack of documentation specifying the precise infection site within the left leg may lead to undercoding. CDI should query for clarity.
Failure to capture the severity (e.g., with or without abscess) impacts reimbursement and quality reporting. CDI should clarify documentation.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with left leg cellulitis. Onset of symptoms reported as [Number] days ago, characterized by localized erythema, edema, warmth, and tenderness to palpation involving the [Specific location on left leg, e.g., distal lower extremity, pretibial region]. Patient reports associated pain described as [Type of pain, e.g., throbbing, constant, burning]. No purulent drainage or fluctuance noted. Patient denies fever, chills, or systemic symptoms. Vital signs stable, with temperature [Temperature], heart rate [Heart Rate], blood pressure [Blood Pressure], respiratory rate [Respiratory Rate], and oxygen saturation [Oxygen Saturation]. Peripheral pulses palpable and strong in the left leg. No lymphadenopathy detected. Medical history significant for [Relevant medical history, e.g., diabetes, peripheral vascular disease]. Assessment: Left leg cellulitis, likely uncomplicated. Plan: Prescribed oral antibiotics [Antibiotic name and dosage]. Patient educated on signs and symptoms of worsening infection and instructed to return for follow-up in [Number] days or sooner if symptoms worsen. Differential diagnosis includes deep vein thrombosis, contact dermatitis, and erysipelas. ICD-10 code L03.115, Cellulitis of left lower leg. Treatment plan aims to resolve infection, reduce inflammation, and prevent complications such as abscess formation or sepsis.