Cellulitis of right finger
ICD-10 L03.011 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cellulitis of right finger.
Cellulitis of the right finger is an acute bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, characterized by redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the affected area. The condition typically arises from breaks in the skin, such as cuts, insect bites, or surgical wounds, allowing bacteria, most commonly Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species, to invade the tissue. Clinically, patients may present with localized symptoms including erythema, edema, and tenderness, often accompanied by systemic signs like fever and malaise. The anatomy involved includes the dermis and subcutaneous fat layers of the finger, which can lead to complications if not treated promptly. Disease progression can result in abscess formation or systemic spread of infection, necessitating timely diagnosis and intervention. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination, patient history, and, in some cases, imaging studies to rule out deeper infections or abscesses. Laboratory tests may also be performed to identify the causative organism and assess the severity of the infection.
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
L03.011 specifically covers cellulitis localized to the right finger, which may arise from trauma, insect bites, or other skin breaches leading to bacterial infection. It does not cover cellulitis of other body parts or infections caused by non-bacterial pathogens.
L03.011 should be used when the infection is specifically localized to the right finger. If the infection involves other areas or is of a different nature (e.g., abscess), other codes should be considered, such as L03.012 for the left finger or L03.019 for unspecified fingers.
Documentation should include a detailed clinical assessment of the affected finger, including the onset of symptoms, any history of trauma, and the presence of systemic symptoms. Treatment plans, including prescribed antibiotics and follow-up care, should also be documented.
