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    OpenPayerBilling CodesInfections of the skin and subcutaneous tissueICD-10-CM l08-other-local-infections-of-skin
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    ICD-10-CM Code For Other Local Infections Of Skin And Subcutaneous Tissue: Group Overview

    The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code group L08 includes localized infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue such as cellulitis, abscesses, and other non-specific bacterial skin infections that are not classified elsewhere. These ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes are used to document clinical scenarios involving localized skin infection, including extent of tissue involvement, presence of drainage or abscess, and any associated complications. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-CM L08 group supports proper claim adjudication, complete clinical documentation, and appropriate reimbursement.

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    ICD-10-CM L08: Other Local Infections Of Skin And Subcutaneous Tissue Overview

    The ICD-10-CM L08 code group includes localized bacterial and other infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue that do not fall into more specific categories. These conditions affect the integumentary system and often present with erythema, swelling, pain, drainage, or abscess formation. Accurate coding matters for appropriate claim adjudication and to reflect clinical complexity for reimbursement.

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    When to Use

    Use a code from this group when a documented diagnosis indicates a localized skin or subcutaneous tissue infection that is not better described by another specific ICD-10-CM category. Codes in this group are appropriate when clinical notes describe cellulitis, abscess, or other local purulent skin infection with details about location and complications.

    ICD-10-CM Codes

    6 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    L08.0Pyoderma
    L08.1Erythrasma
    L08.81Pyoderma vegetans
    L08.82Omphalitis not of newborn
    L08.89Other specified local infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
    L08.9Local infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, unspecified

    DRG Codes

    8 rows

    DRG CodeDescription
    602Cellulitis with MCC
    603Cellulitis without MCC
    606Minor Skin Disorders with MCC
    607Minor Skin Disorders without MCC
    795Normal Newborn
    974HIV with Major Related Condition with MCC
    975HIV with Major Related Condition with CC
    976HIV with Major Related Condition without CC/MCC

    Typical Clinical Scenarios

    • A middle-aged patient presents to urgent care with a rapidly spreading, painful, erythematous area on the lower leg after minor trauma, with localized warmth, fluctuance and purulent drainage. The clinician performs incision and drainage, obtains a wound culture, and documents an acute localized skin infection of the subcutaneous tissue requiring outpatient antibiotics; a code from this group is assigned for the acute local infection. Typical codes: L08.0, L08.89
    • An elderly nursing home resident with poorly controlled diabetes develops a persistent non-healing ulcer on the foot that shows surrounding cellulitis and recurrent episodes of localized skin infection despite wound care. The chronic, relapsing nature of the skin/subcutaneous infection and requirement for ongoing management lead to assignment of a code from this group to reflect the ongoing local infection as a comorbidity. Typical codes: L08.1, L08.9
    • A patient presents to the emergency department with tender, warm, erythematous swelling of the hand following an animal bite; there is concern for deeper subcutaneous infection and risk of rapid progression, prompting urgent antibiotic therapy and possible surgical consultation. Because the presentation is a distinct local infection of skin/subcutaneous tissue secondary to the bite, an acute local infection code from the group is used to capture the condition and guide further care. Typical codes: L08.0, L08.81

    Related Codes

    L00-STAPHYLOCOCCAL-SCALDED-SKIN-SYNDROME

    ICD-10-CM Code For Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome: Group Overview

    L01-IMPETIGO

    ICD-10-CM Code For Impetigo: Group Overview

    L02-CUTANEOUS-ABSCESS-FURUNCLE-CARBUNCLE

    ICD-10-CM Code For Cutaneous Abscess, Furuncle And Carbuncle: Group Overview

    L03-CELLULITIS-AND-ACUTE-LYMPHANGITIS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Cellulitis And Acute Lymphangitis: Group Overview

    L04-ACUTE-LYMPHADENITIS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Acute Lymphadenitis: Group Overview

    L05-PILONIDAL-CYST-AND-SINUS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Pilonidal Cyst And Sinus: Group Overview

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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