Find information on right lower leg cellulitis diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (L03.111, L03.112, L03.119), medical coding guidelines, and healthcare best practices for treatment and management. Learn about symptoms, differential diagnosis, and appropriate antibiotic therapy for lower extremity cellulitis. This resource provides essential information for physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with right lower leg cellulitis.
Also known as
Diseases of the skin and subcu
Covers various skin infections, including cellulitis.
Diseases of veins, lymphatic v
Includes conditions affecting leg circulation that may be relevant.
Diseases of the musculoskeletal
May be relevant if cellulitis affects underlying bone/joint.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the cellulitis uncomplicated?
Yes
Code L03.113 Right lower leg cellulitis, uncomplicated
No
Is there lymphangitis?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Right lower leg cellulitis |
Right lower leg erysipelas |
Right lower leg abscess |
Coding cellulitis without specifying right lower leg laterality can lead to claim denials and inaccurate data reporting. Use L03.115 for correct coding.
Lack of documentation specifying the precise infection site within the right lower leg may cause coding errors. CDI should query for clarity.
Coding right lower leg cellulitis without sufficient clinical evidence supporting the diagnosis may trigger audits and compliance issues. Ensure proper documentation.
Patient presents with signs and symptoms consistent with right lower leg cellulitis. The patient reports pain, erythema, swelling, and warmth in the affected area. Onset of symptoms began approximately [number] days ago. The patient denies any history of fever, chills, or systemic symptoms. The right lower leg skin exhibits localized erythema, edema, and tenderness to palpation. No fluctuance, crepitus, or lymphangitis noted. Peripheral pulses are palpable and strong. The patient's medical history includes [relevant medical history, e.g., diabetes, peripheral vascular disease]. Current medications include [list medications]. Allergies include [list allergies]. Assessment: Right lower leg cellulitis. Differential diagnosis includes deep vein thrombosis, contact dermatitis, and insect bite reaction. Plan: Prescribed oral antibiotics [antibiotic name and dosage]. Patient educated on signs and symptoms of worsening infection, including spreading redness, increased pain, fever, or chills, and instructed to return for follow-up evaluation in [number] days. Wound care instructions provided, emphasizing elevation and local hygiene. ICD-10 code L03.115, Right lower leg cellulitis, is documented for medical billing and coding purposes. Patient advised to monitor for improvement and return if symptoms worsen or do not improve within [number] days. Patient verbalized understanding of the treatment plan.