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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL03.126

L03.126

Billable

Acute lymphangitis of left lower limb

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L03.126 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute lymphangitis of left lower limb.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute lymphangitis of the left lower limb is an inflammatory condition characterized by the infection of the lymphatic vessels, typically resulting from bacterial infection, most commonly Streptococcus or Staphylococcus species. Clinically, patients present with symptoms such as localized pain, swelling, erythema, and warmth along the affected limb, often accompanied by systemic signs like fever and chills. The anatomy involved includes the lymphatic vessels and surrounding skin and subcutaneous tissues. 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 also be performed to identify the causative organism and guide appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity
  • Treatment complexity
  • Documentation requirements
  • Coding specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors
  • Documentation gaps
  • Billing challenges

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

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

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

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 hospitalizations or outpatient visits for treatment. Understanding the epidemiology of this condition is crucial, as it can affect various populations, particularly those with compromised immune systems or chronic skin conditions. Quality measures may include tracking the incidence of lymphangitis and ensuring timely treatment to prevent complications.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Acute lymphangitis can significantly impact patient health, leading to increased healthcare utilization due to hospitalizations or outpatient visits for treatment. Understanding the epidemiology of this condition is crucial, as it can affect various populations, particularly those with compromised immune systems or chronic skin conditions. Quality measures may include tracking the incidence of lymphangitis and ensuring timely treatment to prevent complications.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include verifying the medical necessity of the services provided, including any diagnostic tests or procedures performed. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate the severity of the condition. Best practices include maintaining thorough clinical notes, ensuring accurate coding, and following up on any claims that are denied to resolve issues promptly.

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 L03.126?

L03.126 specifically covers acute lymphangitis of the left lower limb, which may arise from skin infections, trauma, or other inflammatory processes affecting the lymphatic system.

When should L03.126 be used instead of related codes?

L03.126 should be used when the acute lymphangitis is confirmed to be localized to the left lower limb, differentiating it from right-sided or generalized lymphangitis.

What documentation supports L03.126?

Documentation should include clinical findings such as the presence of erythema, swelling, and pain in the left lower limb, as well as any laboratory results confirming infection and treatment plans.