Cellulitis and abscess of buttock

This code represents an acute bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, or a localized collection of pus, affecting the gluteal region. It encompasses both diffuse inflammation (cellulitis) and a circumscribed purulent lesion (abscess) occurring on the buttock.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of cellulitis or an abscess located on the buttock. This typically arises from skin trauma, injection sites, or folliculitis. Supporting documentation should clearly identify the anatomical site as the buttock.

• Differentiate from pilonidal cyst/abscess (685.0), which is a distinct condition typically occurring in the sacrococcygeal region.
• Do not use for decubitus ulcers (707.0x) that may become infected; code the ulcer first.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "buttock" to avoid coding to a more general skin infection site.