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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN48.22

N48.22

Billable

Cellulitis of corpus cavernosum and penis

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/18/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 N48.22 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cellulitis of corpus cavernosum and penis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Cellulitis of the corpus cavernosum and penis is an inflammatory condition characterized by the infection of the soft tissues surrounding the penis, particularly affecting the corpus cavernosum, which is crucial for penile erection. This condition can arise from various etiologies, including trauma, surgical procedures, or infections that spread from adjacent structures. Symptoms typically include swelling, redness, warmth, and pain in the penile region, and may be accompanied by systemic signs of infection such as fever. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by imaging studies if abscess formation is suspected. Treatment usually involves antibiotics, and in severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain abscesses or debride necrotic tissue. The condition can lead to complications such as erectile dysfunction or penile deformity if not treated promptly and effectively.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between cellulitis and other penile infections.
  • Need for detailed documentation of symptoms and treatment.
  • Potential for co-existing conditions affecting coding.
  • Variability in clinical presentation among patients.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings.
  • Failure to specify the extent of cellulitis.
  • Misclassification of the condition as a different type of infection.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation post-treatment.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on symptoms, physical examination findings, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with penile swelling, pain, or signs of infection.

Billing Considerations

Ensure to document any surgical history or trauma that may have contributed to the condition.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history of present illness, including risk factors for infection.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with recurrent infections or those with underlying immunocompromised states.

Billing Considerations

Document any laboratory findings that support the diagnosis of cellulitis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N48.22 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the diagnosis, treatment, and any associated conditions
  • Include details on the severity and extent of the cellulitis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N48.22 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

10060CPT Code

Incision and drainage of abscess, simple or single

Clinical Scenario

Used if an abscess develops from cellulitis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size, location, and nature of the abscess.

Specialty Considerations

Urologists should note any prior interventions that may have contributed to the condition.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like cellulitis of the corpus cavernosum and penis, improving the accuracy of patient records and treatment plans.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like cellulitis of the corpus cavernosum and penis, improving the accuracy of patient records and treatment plans.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like cellulitis of the corpus cavernosum and penis, improving the accuracy of patient records and treatment plans.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of cellulitis of the corpus cavernosum?

Common causes include bacterial infections following trauma, surgical procedures, or infections from adjacent areas such as the urinary tract.