ICD-10 code for cellulitis

The ICD-10-CM code for cellulitis is L03.90 (Cellulitis, unspecified). The official index lists 54 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on L03.90.

Within L03.9, choose L03.90 (Cellulitis, unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: acute lymphangitis, unspecified (L03.91).

As a secondary diagnosis it is a CC (complication or comorbidity), which can move an inpatient stay into the "with CC" MS-DRG of its family, unless the principal diagnosis excludes it.

In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 573 (Skin Graft for Skin Ulcer or Cellulitis with MCC, relative weight 6.3575), DRG 574 (Skin Graft for Skin Ulcer or Cellulitis with CC, relative weight 3.5674), DRG 575 (Skin Graft for Skin Ulcer or Cellulitis without CC/MCC, relative weight 1.8797), DRG 602 (Cellulitis with MCC, relative weight 1.4273), DRG 603 (Cellulitis without MCC, relative weight 0.8635), DRG 791 (Prematurity with Major Problems, relative weight 4.1075) and 1 more, in MDC 09 (Diseases and Disorders of the Skin, Subcutaneous Tissue and Breast) and MDC 15 (Newborns and Other Neonates with Conditions Originating in the Perinatal Period), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.