Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that can affect various parts of the body, including the leg. In medical coding and diagnosis, accuracy is paramount. The Diagnosis Code For Cellulitis Of Leg is essential for proper medical billing, record-keeping, and data analysis. This article delves into the ICD-10-CM code L03.119, providing a comprehensive overview for healthcare professionals and anyone seeking clarity on this specific diagnosis.
ICD-10-CM code L03.119 is officially defined as “Cellulitis of unspecified part of limb”. This code is part of the broader category L03.1, which encompasses cellulitis and acute lymphangitis of other parts of the limb. While L03.119 specifies “unspecified part of limb”, it is frequently utilized when documenting cellulitis in locations such as the leg, foot, ankle, or hip when a more specific location within the limb isn’t explicitly detailed. It is important to note that L03.119 is a billable/specific code, meaning it is recognized for reimbursement purposes in healthcare claims. The code is updated annually, with the current version being valid for the 2025 ICD-10-CM edition, effective from October 1, 2024.
To better understand the scope of L03.119, it’s helpful to consider its approximate synonyms. These include terms like “Cellulitis of leg”, “Cellulitis of lower limb”, “Cellulitis of ankle”, “Cellulitis of foot”, “Cellulitis of hip”, and other related locations within the limb, excluding fingers or toes which have their own specific codes. These synonyms highlight the clinical scenarios where L03.119 might be applicable when the exact location of cellulitis within the limb is not specified in the medical record.
The history of ICD-10-CM code L03.119 shows that it was introduced in 2016 and has remained unchanged through the 2025 edition. This stability indicates its continued relevance and accuracy in classifying cellulitis of unspecified limb location within the medical coding system. Utilizing the correct diagnosis code for cellulitis of leg, such as L03.119 when appropriate, ensures accurate medical documentation, facilitates proper billing processes, and contributes to reliable healthcare data. For converting L03.119 to ICD-9-CM codes or exploring related codes, specialized conversion tools and ICD-10-CM resources are available for healthcare professionals.
