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
DiagnosesAbdominal Wall Seroma

Abdominal Wall Seroma

ICD-10 Coding for Abdominal Wall Seroma(L76.3, T81.0)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYSurgery
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/08/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Abdominal Wall Seroma?
Essential facts and insights about Abdominal Wall Seroma

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Presence of a palpable fluid collection in the abdominal wall
  • Ultrasound confirmation of seroma in the abdominal wall
  • Patient complaints of abdominal discomfort or swelling post-surgery

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Detailed description of the seroma including its location and size
  • Clinical evidence supporting the diagnosis such as ultrasound reports
  • Record of any surgical procedures that may have led to the seroma

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • L76.3 is used for intraoperative and postprocedural complications in the skin and subcutaneous tissue, not elsewhere classified
  • T81.0 is used for complications involving implanted devices in the skin and subcutaneous tissue

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Abdominal abscess (K65.-)
  • Postoperative wound infection (T81.4)

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
L76.3
Postprocedural subcutaneous abscess, hematoma and seroma
T81.0
Infection following a procedure
Ancillary Codes
10160
10030
49405
Differential Codes
T81.0
T81.0
for deeper seromas not limited to skin or subcutaneous tissue.
L76.3
L76.3
for seromas limited to skin or subcutaneous tissue.

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Surgery

Specialty Applications

  • Post-surgical patients experiencing abdominal discomfort or swelling
  • Patients with a history of abdominal surgeries

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Template 1

Patient presents with a palpable fluid collection in the abdominal wall, confirmed by ultrasound to be a seroma.

Template 2

Postoperative patient complaining of abdominal discomfort and swelling. Ultrasound confirms presence of seroma in the abdominal wall.

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an abdominal wall seroma?

An abdominal wall seroma is a collection of serous fluid in a pocket under the skin following surgery.

When should this code be used?

This code should be used when a patient has been diagnosed with a seroma in the abdominal wall, typically following a surgical procedure.