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ICD-10 Coding for Cellulitis of Scrotum(N49.2)

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

Also known as:

Scrotal CellulitisInflammatory Disorder of Scrotum

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cellulitis of Scrotum

N40-N51Primary Range

Diseases of male genital organs

This range includes inflammatory disorders of the scrotum, which covers cellulitis.

Bacterial and viral infectious agents

This range is used for coding the causative organism in infections, such as MRSA in cellulitis.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for cellulitis of scrotum

Essential facts and insights about Cellulitis of Scrotum

The ICD-10 code for cellulitis of the scrotum is N49.2, used for inflammatory disorders of the scrotum.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for cellulitis of scrotum

Inflammatory disorders of scrotum
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of erythema, swelling, and pain in the scrotum without abscess

coding Criteria

  • Use N49.2 for scrotal cellulitis and add B95-B97 codes if organism is identified

documentation Criteria

  • Document specific location and symptoms to justify N49.2

Applicable To

  • Cellulitis of scrotum
  • Scrotal abscess

Excludes

  • L03.9 (Unspecified cellulitis)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Erythema, warmth, swelling, and pain in the scrotum
  • Ultrasound showing no abscess
  • Elevated WBC and CRP levels

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using L03.9 instead of N49.2
  • Omitting organism code when applicable

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'cellulitis of scrotum' to use N49.2.

Ancillary Codes

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

Staphylococcus aureus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B95.61
Use when culture confirms Staphylococcus aureus as the causative organism.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B95.62
Use when culture confirms MRSA as the causative organism.

Differential Codes

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

Cellulitis, unspecified

L03.9
Use L03.9 only if the documentation does not specify the location as the scrotum.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cellulitis of Scrotum to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N49.2.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of symptoms and diagnosis, Use specific terminology like 'cellulitis of scrotum'

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to lower reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on condition prevalence and treatment.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use N49.2 for cellulitis specifically located in the scrotum.

Impact

Lack of specificity in documentation can lead to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of symptoms and diagnostic findings.

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 Scrotum, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Cellulitis of Scrotum

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

Emergency Department Visit for Scrotal Cellulitis

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Laboratory and imaging results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

**HPI:** 32M c/o 3-day history of progressive scrotal redness, swelling, and pain. Denies trauma. Fever of 101.2°F. **PE:** Temp 38.5°C. Scrotum: 8cm x 6cm area of erythema with warmth and tenderness; no fluctuance. Testicles normal. **Labs:** WBC 14.2, CRP 18. **Imaging:** Scrotal ultrasound: Skin thickening, no abscess. **Assessment:** Cellulitis of right scrotum. **Plan:** IV ceftriaxone; transition to oral cephalexin.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Scrotal infection
Good Documentation Example
Cellulitis of left scrotum with 5cm area of erythema, tenderness, and warmth; ultrasound shows no abscess
Explanation
The good example provides specific location and symptoms, supporting the use of N49.2.

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

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