Cellulitis is classified under ICD-10-CM code L03, which requires specifying the anatomical site. Common billable codes include L03.019 (unspecified finger), L03.119 (unspecified limb), L03.211 (face), and L03.311 (abdominal wall).
Primary codes
Billable
Billable
Extension
—
7th character
—
POA exempt
No
Coding risks
- Failing to specify the required axis (laterality, type, severity, or stage)
Hierarchy
Code comparison
Compare key differences between related codes to select the most specific option.
| Code | Description | Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| L03.019 | Cellulitis of unspecified finger | Cellulitis localized to a finger, with the specific finger not documented. |
| L03.119 | Cellulitis of unspecified part of limb | Cellulitis documented on a limb without specifying the exact site or laterality. |
| L03.211 | Cellulitis of face | Cellulitis localized to the face, distinguishing it from scalp or other head sites. |
| L03.311 | Cellulitis of abdominal wall | Cellulitis localized to the abdominal wall, distinct from limb, face, or head involvement. |
| L03.811 | Cellulitis of head [any part, except face] | Cellulitis involving the scalp or other head area, with the face explicitly not involved. |
| L03.90 | Cellulitis, unspecified | Cellulitis documented without any anatomical site specified in the chart. |
Select the most specific code supported by the encounter documentation. More specific codes improve reimbursement accuracy and reduce audit risk.
Code ranges
Cellulitis and acute lymphangitis
Bacterial infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue producing diffuse inflammation or acute inflammation of lymphatic channels.
Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
Localized and diffuse bacterial and pyogenic infections affecting the skin, subcutaneous tissue, hair follicles, and cutaneous lymphatics.
Cutaneous abscess, furuncle and carbuncle
Localized collections of pus within the skin including furuncles and carbuncles, categorized by anatomic site and laterality.
Acute lymphadenitis
Acute inflammation of lymph nodes categorized by anatomic region such as face, neck, axilla, or lower limb.
Noninfective disorders of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes
Chronic lymphedema and other noninfectious lymphatic conditions classified outside the skin infection chapter.
Coding risks
Avoid these common coding issues when reporting Cellulitis.
Impact
Assigning L03.119 without explicit laterality may miscode when a more specific L03.11x code is supportable.
Mitigation
Consider querying the provider when laterality or precise site is absent rather than inferring from prior imaging or nursing notes.
Related codes
Ancillary and co-coding
Codes commonly reported with the primary diagnosis on the same claim.
Z-code variants
Family history, personal history, or screening encounter codes related to this condition.
Differential codes
Alternative or commonly confused codes to consider when documentation suggests a different condition than the primary diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
When the provider documents the causative organism, add a B95-B96 code such as B95.62 for MRSA to identify the pathogen.
References
Compiled from the following authoritative coding references. Last updated 2026-08-04.