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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL03.122

L03.122

Billable

Acute lymphangitis of left axilla

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L03.122 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute lymphangitis of left axilla.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute lymphangitis of the left axilla is an inflammatory condition characterized by the infection of the lymphatic vessels, typically caused by bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus or Staphylococcus species. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms including localized pain, swelling, erythema, and warmth in the left axillary region, often accompanied by systemic symptoms like fever and malaise. The anatomy involved includes the lymphatic vessels draining the upper limb and the axillary lymph nodes. Disease progression can lead to complications such as abscess formation or systemic infection if left untreated. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination, patient history, and possibly imaging studies to assess the extent of lymphatic involvement. Laboratory tests may reveal leukocytosis or positive cultures from aspirated fluid in cases of abscess. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and ensure effective management of the condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires clinical evaluation and possibly imaging.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve antibiotics and, in some cases, surgical intervention.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and treatment plans are necessary.
  • Coding specificity: Requires accurate coding to differentiate from other types of lymphangitis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentification of the affected side or misclassification of the condition.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding symptoms or treatment.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to lack of supporting documentation for the diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary medical specialty: 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

Secondary specialty: 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

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Acute lymphangitis can significantly impact patient health, leading to increased healthcare utilization due to potential complications such as abscess formation or systemic infection. Understanding the epidemiology of this condition is crucial, as it may be more prevalent in certain populations, particularly those with compromised immune systems or chronic skin conditions. Quality measures should focus on timely diagnosis and effective treatment to reduce complications and improve patient outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Acute lymphangitis can significantly impact patient health, leading to increased healthcare utilization due to potential complications such as abscess formation or systemic infection. Understanding the epidemiology of this condition is crucial, as it may be more prevalent in certain populations, particularly those with compromised immune systems or chronic skin conditions. Quality measures should focus on timely diagnosis and effective treatment to reduce complications and improve patient outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the diagnosis is clearly linked to the services billed. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity. Best practices include maintaining comprehensive clinical notes, ensuring that all services rendered are justified by the diagnosis, and regularly reviewing coding guidelines to stay compliant with payer requirements.

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 L03.122?

L03.122 specifically covers acute lymphangitis localized to the left axilla, which may arise from skin infections, trauma, or other inflammatory processes affecting the lymphatic system.

When should L03.122 be used instead of related codes?

L03.122 should be used when the acute lymphangitis is specifically diagnosed in the left axilla, differentiating it from right-sided or generalized lymphangitis codes.

What documentation supports L03.122?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical assessment, treatment plan, and any laboratory or imaging results that confirm the diagnosis of acute lymphangitis in the left axilla.