Cellulitis and abscess of hand, except fingers and thumb

This code signifies a bacterial infection of the soft tissues (cellulitis) or a localized collection of pus (abscess) affecting the hand, excluding the digits. It indicates an inflammatory process within the subcutaneous tissue of the palm, dorsum, or wrist area.

Apply this code when documentation specifies cellulitis or an abscess located on the hand itself, but explicitly not on the fingers or thumb. Supporting documentation would include physician notes detailing physical exam findings of erythema, warmth, swelling, tenderness, or fluctuance in the non-digital hand region.

• Ensure the documentation clearly distinguishes the hand from the fingers or thumb; if a digit is involved, a more specific code is required.
• Do not use this code for infections involving only the wrist joint; consider codes for arthritis or osteomyelitis if applicable.
• Always look for documentation of the causative organism to potentially add an additional code for infection specificity.