ICD-10 Coding for Paronychia of the Finger(L03.011, L03.012)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Paronychia of the Finger. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Paronychia of the Finger
L03.0-L03.01Primary Range
Cellulitis and acute lymphangitis of finger
This range includes codes for cellulitis and paronychia of the finger, specifying laterality.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| L03.011 | Cellulitis of right finger | Use when paronychia or cellulitis is present in the right finger. |
|
| L03.012 | Cellulitis of left finger | Use when paronychia or cellulitis is present in the left finger. |
|
Clinical Decision Support
Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for paronychia finger
Essential facts and insights about Paronychia of the Finger
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for paronychia finger
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of erythema and purulence in right finger
Applicable To
- Paronychia of right finger
Excludes
- Herpetic whitlow (B00.8)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Erythema, fluctuance, purulence, pain in right finger
Code-Specific Risks
- Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified coding.
Coding Notes
- Document laterality and presence of abscess for accurate coding.
L03.012 - Cellulitis of left finger
Use when paronychia or cellulitis is present in the left finger.
Applicable To
- Paronychia of left finger
Excludes
- Herpetic whitlow (B00.8)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Erythema, fluctuance, purulence, pain in left finger
Coding Notes
Document laterality and presence of abscess for accurate coding.
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
B95.6Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Herpetic whitlow
B00.8Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Paronychia of the Finger to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L03.011.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to incorrect treatment tracking., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or delays.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document the affected side in the patient's record.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Use L03.011 or L03.012 based on the documented laterality.
Impact
Using unspecified codes when laterality is documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation includes laterality before coding.
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 Paronychia of the Finger, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Paronychia of the Finger
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Paronychia of the Finger. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute Paronychia with Abscess
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- Laterality
- Presence of abscess
- Procedure performed
- Culture results if applicable
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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