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ICD-10 Code L03.211: Cellulitis of face

L03.211 is a billable ICD-10 diagnosis code used to classify Cellulitis of face in medical records and claims. You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records. ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 26 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. 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 of face in a patient's medical record.
  • May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
  • This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.

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.

Code hierarchy

chapter
12Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99)
block
L00-L08Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
category
L03Cellulitis and acute lymphangitis
category
L03.2Cellulitis and acute lymphangitis of face and neck
category
L03.21Cellulitis and acute lymphangitis of face
currentL03.21

Official coding notes

Excludes2 (may code together if documented)
  • abscess of orbit (H05.01-)
  • cellulitis of ear (H60.1-)
  • cellulitis of eyelid (H00.0-)
  • cellulitis of head (L03.81)
  • cellulitis of lacrimal apparatus (H04.3)
  • cellulitis of lip (K13.0)
  • cellulitis of mouth (K12.2)
  • cellulitis of nose (internal) (J34.0)
  • cellulitis of orbit (H05.01-)
  • cellulitis of scalp (L03.81)

Where you may see this code

You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.

Related specialists

Dermatologist

Coverage-related procedures and services

CPT 97598high
DEBRIDEMENT (EG, HIGH PRESSURE WATERJET WITH/WITHOUT SUCTION, SHARP SELECTIVE DEBRIDEMENT WITH SCISSORS, SCALPEL AND FORCEPS), OPEN WOUND, (EG, FIBRIN, DEVITALIZED EPIDERMIS AND/OR DERMIS, EXUDATE, DEBRIS, BIOFILM), INCLUDING TOPICAL APPLICATION(S), WOUND ASSESSMENT, USE OF A WHIRLPOOL, WHEN PERFORMED AND INSTRUCTION(S) FOR ONGOING CARE, PER SESSION, TOTAL WOUND(S) SURFACE AREA; EACH ADDITIONAL 20 SQ CM, OR PART THEREOF (LIST SEPARATELY IN ADDITION TO CODE FOR PRIMARY PROCEDURE)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 97597high
DEBRIDEMENT (EG, HIGH PRESSURE WATERJET WITH/WITHOUT SUCTION, SHARP SELECTIVE DEBRIDEMENT WITH SCISSORS, SCALPEL AND FORCEPS), OPEN WOUND, (EG, FIBRIN, DEVITALIZED EPIDERMIS AND/OR DERMIS, EXUDATE, DEBRIS, BIOFILM), INCLUDING TOPICAL APPLICATION(S), WOUND ASSESSMENT, USE OF A WHIRLPOOL, WHEN PERFORMED AND INSTRUCTION(S) FOR ONGOING CARE, PER SESSION, TOTAL WOUND(S) SURFACE AREA; FIRST 20 SQ CM OR LESS
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 11001high
DEBRIDEMENT OF EXTENSIVE ECZEMATOUS OR INFECTED SKIN; EACH ADDITIONAL 10% OF THE BODY SURFACE, OR PART THEREOF (LIST SEPARATELY IN ADDITION TO CODE FOR PRIMARY PROCEDURE)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 11000high
DEBRIDEMENT OF EXTENSIVE ECZEMATOUS OR INFECTED SKIN; UP TO 10% OF BODY SURFACE
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 11005high
DEBRIDEMENT OF SKIN, SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE, MUSCLE AND FASCIA FOR NECROTIZING SOFT TISSUE INFECTION; ABDOMINAL WALL, WITH OR WITHOUT FASCIAL CLOSURE
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 11004high
DEBRIDEMENT OF SKIN, SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE, MUSCLE AND FASCIA FOR NECROTIZING SOFT TISSUE INFECTION; EXTERNAL GENITALIA AND PERINEUM
Source: CMS coverage guidance

Coding guidelines

Common synonyms

Cellulitis of face

Frequently asked questions

Code details

CodeL03.211
SystemICD10
Display nameCellulitis of face
ChapterDiseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99)
BlockInfections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

Flags

BillableYes
Valid clinical useYes

Source

SourceICD-10
Version2026-annual
Releaseannual
Year2026

Index terms

Matched terms
Cellulitis(diffuse) (phlegmonous) (septic) (suppurative)Cellulitis(diffuse) (phlegmonous) (septic) (suppurative)Cellulitis(diffuse) (phlegmonous) (septic) (suppurative)Cellulitis(diffuse) (phlegmonous) (septic) (suppurative)

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.

ICD-10 Code L03.211 for Cellulitis of face | HealthAssure