ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL03.129

L03.129

Billable

Acute lymphangitis of unspecified part of limb

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L03.129 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute lymphangitis of unspecified part of limb.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute lymphangitis of unspecified part of limb is an inflammatory condition characterized by the infection of lymphatic vessels, typically resulting from bacterial infections, most commonly due to Streptococcus or Staphylococcus species. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as localized pain, swelling, erythema, and warmth along the affected limb, often accompanied by systemic signs like fever and malaise. The anatomy involved primarily includes the lymphatic vessels and surrounding subcutaneous tissues. Disease progression can lead to complications such as abscess formation or systemic infection if not treated promptly. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination, history of recent skin injuries or infections, and possibly imaging studies to assess the extent of lymphatic involvement. Laboratory tests may also be utilized to identify the causative organism and guide antibiotic therapy.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires clinical assessment and may involve differential diagnosis.
  • Treatment complexity: Treatment typically involves antibiotics and may require surgical intervention in severe cases.
  • Documentation requirements: Requires detailed documentation of clinical findings and treatment response.
  • Coding specificity: Specific to acute lymphangitis of unspecified limb, necessitating accurate coding to avoid misclassification.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misuse of related codes or failure to specify the affected limb.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes that do not support the diagnosis.
  • Billing challenges: Potential for denials if documentation does not clearly justify the use of L03.129.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary medical 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

Secondary 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

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

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. It is essential to monitor this condition as it can affect population health, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic skin conditions. Quality measures may include tracking the incidence of lymphangitis and ensuring timely treatment to prevent complications, which can improve overall healthcare outcomes.

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. It is essential to monitor this condition as it can affect population health, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic skin conditions. Quality measures may include tracking the incidence of lymphangitis and ensuring timely treatment to prevent complications, which can improve overall healthcare outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the necessity of detailed notes that justify the diagnosis and any procedures performed. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to provide evidence of medical necessity. Best practices include ensuring that all clinical findings are clearly documented and that the coding accurately reflects the services rendered. Regular audits of coding practices can help mitigate risks associated with billing errors.

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 L03.129?

L03.129 covers acute lymphangitis that is not specified to a particular part of the limb. It is used when the exact location of the lymphangitis is not documented or when the condition affects multiple areas of the limb.

When should L03.129 be used instead of related codes?

L03.129 should be used when the clinical documentation does not specify the affected limb or when the lymphangitis is generalized across multiple parts of the limb, differentiating it from codes that specify right or left limbs.

What documentation supports L03.129?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical assessment, history of symptoms, any previous skin infections or injuries, and treatment plans. Laboratory results confirming infection and response to treatment should also be included.