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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL03.021

L03.021

Billable

Acute lymphangitis of right finger

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/06/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 L03.021 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute lymphangitis of right finger.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute lymphangitis of the right finger is an inflammatory condition characterized by the infection of the lymphatic vessels, typically resulting from a bacterial infection, often following a break in the skin. Clinically, patients may present with localized swelling, redness, warmth, and pain in the affected finger, along with systemic symptoms such as fever and malaise. The anatomy involved includes the lymphatic vessels that drain lymph fluid from the finger, which can become obstructed or inflamed due to infection. Disease progression can lead to the development of abscesses or systemic infection if not treated promptly. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination, history of trauma or skin lesions, and possibly imaging studies to assess the extent of lymphatic involvement. Laboratory tests may also be performed to identify the causative organism, typically Streptococcus or Staphylococcus species, and to rule out other conditions such as cellulitis or deep vein thrombosis.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires clinical assessment and possibly laboratory tests to confirm infection.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve antibiotics and, in severe cases, surgical intervention.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes are necessary to support the diagnosis.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other skin infections.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification with other skin infections.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding the extent of infection.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if documentation does not clearly support the diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related ICD-10 Codes

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CPT Code

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CPT Code

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Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Acute lymphangitis can significantly impact patient health, leading to complications if untreated. It is important for population health as it can indicate underlying issues such as poor wound care or systemic infections. Quality measures may include timely diagnosis and treatment, which can reduce healthcare utilization patterns and improve patient outcomes. Understanding the epidemiology of skin infections, including lymphangitis, is crucial for public health initiatives aimed at reducing infection rates.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Acute lymphangitis can significantly impact patient health, leading to complications if untreated. It is important for population health as it can indicate underlying issues such as poor wound care or systemic infections. Quality measures may include timely diagnosis and treatment, which can reduce healthcare utilization patterns and improve patient outcomes. Understanding the epidemiology of skin infections, including lymphangitis, is crucial for public health initiatives aimed at reducing infection rates.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the medical necessity for the visit and any procedures performed is clearly documented. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate the severity of the condition. Best practices include maintaining thorough clinical notes, using appropriate modifiers when necessary, and ensuring that all services rendered are coded accurately to reflect the patient's condition.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for L00-L99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for L00-L99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific conditions are covered by L03.021?

L03.021 specifically covers acute lymphangitis localized to the right finger, typically resulting from bacterial infections following skin breaches. It does not include chronic lymphangitis or infections of other body parts.

When should L03.021 be used instead of related codes?

L03.021 should be used when the lymphangitis is specifically localized to the right finger. If the infection is more generalized or affects other areas, other codes such as L03.029 may be more appropriate.

What documentation supports L03.021?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical assessment, history of any skin trauma, signs and symptoms of infection, and any laboratory results confirming the diagnosis.