Wound Infection ICD-10-CM Codes
Get insights into the ICD 10 code for wound infection for more accurate coding and documentation.
Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.
What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Wound Infection
An ICD-10 code one can use for wound infection is L08.9: Local infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, unspecified. However, there are certain things to take into consideration before using this code:
- You can only use this code when the clinical information is unavailable or unknown.
- You must use this code, even if many say to use a specific code when it accurately reflects the patient's condition.
- Multiple layperson's terms can be synonymous with a wound infection. Double-check the diagnosis before using any type of code.
Is the Wound Infection ICD code Billable?
Yes, L08.9: Unspecified local infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue is billable.
Clinical Information
- Surgical tissue trauma, minor cuts, bites, or skin punctures can be infected.
- Common pathogens can cause infections, but the most common ones are bacterial and fungal microorganisms like Staphylococcus (staph), Streptococcus (strep), MRSA, Clostridium, Aspergillus, Candida, and Clasdosporidium.
- Signs and symptoms of a wound infection are swelling, pain, redness, and warmth to the touch. In some cases, loss of the organ's function where the wound is located can also be considered a symptom.
- Those who are most likely to get wound infections have poor hygiene, are malnourished, have a weakened immune system, have a lack of mobility, have poor blood circulation, are obese, and have diabetes.
- The referring physician will examine the patient’s wound and check their health history to diagnose it.
- Treatment includes thoroughly cleaning the wound area, wound care, applying antibiotic creams, or ingesting antibiotic tablets/capsules. Severe case treatment may consist of antibiotics via IV drip and surgery.
Synonyms Include:
- Abrasions
- Friction burns
- Insect bites
- Lacerations
- Open Wound
- Splinter
- Blister
- Superficial Injury
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Commonly asked questions
You may use the wound infection ICD code if you’ve determined the type of wound, ensured that it has an infection, and decided that any other clinical information about the wound is unknown or unavailable.
Yes, the wound infection diagnosis code is billable.
Common treatments for wound infection are usually wound care and topical or oral antibiotics. For severe cases, treatments may include surgery and antibiotics via IV drip.
