Other local infections of skin and subcutaneous tissue
In Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L08), chapter 12: Diseases of the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue
6 billable codes under L08: 1 is a CC; none map to an HCC.A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment.
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Instructional notes
Also applies, from Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L08)
These notes sit on L00-L08 and apply to every code under it, including L08.
Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable
- hordeolum (H00.0)
- infective dermatitis (L30.3)
- local infections of skin classified in Chapter 1
- lupus panniculitis (L93.2)
- panniculitis NOS (M79.3)
- panniculitis of neck and back (M54.0-)
- Perlèche NOS (K13.0)
- Perlèche due to candidiasis (B37.0)
- Perlèche due to riboflavin deficiency (E53.0)
- pyogenic granuloma (L98.0)
- relapsing panniculitis [Weber-Christian] (M35.6)
- viral warts (B07.-)
- zoster (B02.-)
Use additional code: add a second code for this, listed after this one
- code (B95-B97) to identify infectious agent.
Official coding guidelines
From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.
Covers assigning pressure ulcer codes by site and stage, including unstageable, healing, healed, and progressing ulcers, and coding healing or progressing non-pressure chronic ulcers.
- Pressure ulcer stage codes (page 58)
- Non-Pressure Chronic Ulcers (page 60)
All codes under L08
L08 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.
L08 MS-DRGs
As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under L08 group to these 8 MS-DRGs (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.
- DRG 602 Cellulitis with MCC (5 of 6 codes)
- DRG 603 Cellulitis without MCC (5 of 6 codes)
- DRG 606 Minor Skin Disorders with MCC (1 of 6 codes)
- DRG 607 Minor Skin Disorders without MCC (1 of 6 codes)
- DRG 795 Normal Newborn (1 of 6 codes)
- DRG 974 HIV with Major Related Condition with MCC (1 of 6 codes)
- DRG 975 HIV with Major Related Condition with CC (1 of 6 codes)
- DRG 976 HIV with Major Related Condition without CC/MCC (1 of 6 codes)
Other codes that refer to L08
Notes on these codes point to L08.
About the condition
Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.
Skin Infections
Your skin is your body's largest organ. It has many different functions, including covering and protecting your body. It helps keep germs out. But sometimes the germs can cause a skin infection. It often happens when the germs enter your body through a break, cut, or wound on your skin. Other skin infections can happen in places where the skin rubs together, especially if the area is moist. Infections can also happen when you have a poor blood supply to an area of your body or if your immune system is weakened because of another disease or a medical treatment.
Read more about skin infections on MedlinePlusCode history
Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.