Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Cellulitis of Buttock(L03.317)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cellulitis of Buttock. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Gluteal CellulitisButtock Infection

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cellulitis of Buttock

L00-L08Primary Range

Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

This range includes codes for cellulitis, which is an infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues.

Bacterial and viral infectious agents

These codes are used to identify the infectious organism causing the cellulitis, such as Staphylococcus aureus.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for cellulitis of buttock

Essential facts and insights about Cellulitis of Buttock

The ICD-10 code for cellulitis of the buttock is L03.317, used for infections in the gluteal region without laterality.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for cellulitis of buttock

Cellulitis of buttock
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of erythema, warmth, and swelling in the buttock region.

documentation Criteria

  • Absence of fluctuance or purulent drainage.

Applicable To

  • Infection of the gluteal region

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Diffuse erythema and tenderness in the gluteal region
  • No abscess formation on imaging

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding laterality, which is not required for this code.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'buttock' without laterality.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

B95.62
Use when MRSA is confirmed as the causative organism.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Abscess of buttock

L02.31
Presence of fluctuance or purulent drainage indicating an abscess.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cellulitis of Buttock to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L03.317.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to vague clinical documentation., Regulatory: May result in non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure specific location is documented, Use L03.317 for buttock cellulitis

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Remove any mention of left or right buttock in documentation.

Impact

Documenting laterality for a code that does not require it.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on correct documentation practices.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Cellulitis of Buttock, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Cellulitis of Buttock

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Cellulitis of Buttock. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Uncomplicated Cellulitis of Buttock

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Location: Entire gluteal region
  • Findings: Diffuse erythema, warmth, tenderness
  • Imaging: No abscess
  • Labs: Elevated WBC, CRP

Example Documentation

Patient presents with diffuse erythema and warmth over the buttock region. No abscess on ultrasound. WBC elevated.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Redness on left buttock.
Good Documentation Example
Diffuse erythema and tenderness in the gluteal region without abscess.
Explanation
The good example provides a complete clinical picture and avoids unnecessary laterality.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Cellulitis of Buttock? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more