Cellulitis of face

This code represents an acute, spreading bacterial infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue of the face. It typically presents with localized erythema, warmth, swelling, and tenderness, often without a well-defined border. The infection can be caused by various bacteria, most commonly streptococci or staphylococci.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates cellulitis affecting any part of the face, excluding specific anatomical structures listed in the Excludes2 notes. This diagnosis is supported by physician notes detailing the characteristic signs and symptoms of facial cellulitis, such as facial redness, swelling, and pain, along with a clinical assessment confirming the infection.

• Carefully review documentation to ensure the cellulitis is indeed of the face and not a more specific facial structure listed in the Excludes2 notes (e.g., eyelid, orbit, ear).
• Do not use this code for cellulitis of the head (L03.81) or scalp (L03.81); these have separate codes.
• Always check for any associated abscesses, as these may require additional coding.