Cellulitis of head [any part, except face]
ICD-10 L03.811 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cellulitis of head [any part, except face].
Cellulitis of the head, excluding the face, is a bacterial infection that affects the skin and subcutaneous tissues. It typically presents as a swollen, red area that may feel warm to the touch and is often accompanied by pain or tenderness. The infection can arise from various sources, including insect bites, surgical wounds, or skin breaks. The anatomy involved includes the dermis and subcutaneous fat layers of the scalp, forehead, or other areas of the head. Disease progression can lead to systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, and malaise if left untreated. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination, patient history, and, in some cases, imaging studies to rule out abscess formation or deeper tissue involvement. Laboratory tests may be performed to identify the causative organism, particularly in recurrent cases or when the patient is immunocompromised.
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
L03.811 covers cellulitis specifically located on the head, excluding the face, which may include infections resulting from trauma, surgical procedures, or skin conditions that compromise the integrity of the skin.
L03.811 should be used when the infection is localized to the head and does not involve the facial area. It is important to differentiate based on the anatomical location to ensure accurate coding.
Documentation should include a detailed clinical assessment, patient history, and any relevant imaging or laboratory results that confirm the diagnosis of cellulitis in the specified area.
