Learn about Staph infection of the arm diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (L02.031, L02.032, L02.039), healthcare treatment options, and medical coding guidelines. Find information on cellulitis, abscess, MRSA, Staphylococcal skin infection, and arm infections for accurate diagnosis and coding. This resource helps healthcare professionals properly document and code Staph infections of the upper limb using relevant medical terminology.
Also known as
Infections of the skin and...
Covers various skin infections, including staphylococcal.
Staphylococcal infections
Encompasses infections caused by Staphylococcus bacteria.
Diseases of the musculoskeletal...
Includes infections affecting bones and joints, potentially from staph.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the staph infection localized to the skin?
Yes
Is it impetigo or ecthyma?
No
Is it cellulitis?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Staph arm infection |
| Cellulitis of arm |
| Abscess of arm |
Coding staph infection without specifying arm location leads to inaccurate severity and reimbursement. Use specific laterality and site codes.
Failing to document the specific type of staph infection (e.g., MRSA) impacts appropriate antibiotic coding and infection control tracking.
Incorrectly coding cellulitis or abscess as the primary diagnosis instead of the underlying staph infection skews data and reimbursement.
Patient presents with signs and symptoms consistent with a staphylococcus aureus infection of the right upper arm. Onset reported as approximately three days prior to presentation, characterized by localized erythema, edema, warmth, and pain to palpation. The affected area measures approximately 5 cm x 7 cm and is centered on the lateral aspect of the right upper arm. The patient reports increasing pain and tenderness, along with subjective fever and chills. No purulent drainage or fluctuance noted on examination. Regional lymphadenopathy is present in the right axilla. Vital signs include a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, heart rate of 92 beats per minute, respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute, and blood pressure of 12080 mmHg. The patient denies any known allergies. Past medical history is significant for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Surgical history is unremarkable. Social history includes smoking one pack of cigarettes per day. Assessment: Staphylococcus infection, cellulitis, right upper arm. Differential diagnoses included abscess, insect bite, and contact dermatitis. Plan: The patient was prescribed oral dicloxacillin 500 mg four times daily for ten days. Wound care instructions provided, including keeping the affected area clean and dry, and applying warm compresses. Patient education provided regarding signs and symptoms of worsening infection, such as increased pain, swelling, redness, or fever. Follow-up appointment scheduled in one week to assess response to treatment. ICD-10 code L03.115, Cellulitis of right upper arm. CPT code 99213, Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient.