Cellulitis and abscess of foot, except toes

This code signifies an acute bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the foot, excluding the toes. It encompasses both diffuse inflammation (cellulitis) and localized collections of pus (abscess) affecting the plantar, dorsal, or lateral aspects of the foot.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates cellulitis or an abscess located anywhere on the foot, but specifically not involving the digits. This diagnosis is supported by findings such as erythema, warmth, swelling, pain, and possibly purulent drainage or fluctuance on examination of the foot.

• Differentiate carefully between foot and toe involvement; separate codes exist for toe infections.
• Ensure the documentation specifies the foot as the anatomical site to avoid miscoding to more general skin infection codes.
• Consider an additional code for the causative organism if identified and documented (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus).