What does ICD-10 code L03 mean?

ICD-10 code L03 is the standardized code used for cellulitis and acute lymphangitis in medical records and coding systems.

When is ICD-10 code L03 used?

Doctors, hospitals, and insurers may use ICD-10 code L03 when recording cellulitis and acute lymphangitis in a standardized format. This entry may also act as a broader category that points toward more specific child codes.

Does ICD-10 code L03 confirm a diagnosis?

No. A code helps standardize documentation and claims, but it should not be read as a substitute for a clinician's full assessment.

ICD10

ICD-10 Code L03: Cellulitis and acute lymphangitis

Name: ICD-10 Code L03: Cellulitis and acute lymphangitis
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-21T06:16:25.239Z

L03 is an ICD-10 diagnosis entry used to group records related to Cellulitis and acute lymphangitis. You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen. ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99).

When is it used?

May be used when a clinician documents cellulitis and acute lymphangitis in a patient's medical record.
May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.

What it does not mean

A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.

Code hierarchy

chapter

12Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99)

block

L00-L08Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

currentL00-L08

Official coding notes

Excludes2 (may code together if documented)

cellulitis of anal and rectal region (K61.-)
cellulitis of external auditory canal (H60.1)
cellulitis of eyelid (H00.0)
cellulitis of female external genital organs (N76.4)
cellulitis of lacrimal apparatus (H04.3)
cellulitis of male external genital organs (N48.2, N49.-)
cellulitis of mouth (K12.2)
cellulitis of nose (J34.0)
eosinophilic cellulitis [Wells] (L98.3)
febrile neutrophilic dermatosis [Sweet] (L98.2)
lymphangitis (chronic) (subacute) (I89.1)

Where you may see this code

You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.

Related specialists

Dermatologist

Sibling codes

L00Staphylococcal scalded skin syndromebillable L01Impetigo L02Cutaneous abscess, furuncle and carbuncle L04Acute lymphadenitis L05Pilonidal cyst and sinus L08Other local infections of skin and subcutaneous tissue

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy code aligns to an official FY 2026 category. Frontend should resolve to the official category page and surface the billable child codes.

Legacy codes

L03

Common synonyms

Cellulitis and acute lymphangitis

Frequently asked questions

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.