A46

What This Code Means

Erysipelas is a superficial skin infection caused by bacteria (usually streptococcus) that causes redness, swelling, and warmth in affected areas, typically on the face or legs. It's a contagious condition that spreads through breaks in the skin and requires antibiotic treatment.

Coding Tips

• •Erysipelas is classified as an acute infectious disease; ensure documentation clearly distinguishes it from cellulitis (deeper skin infection) as they have different ICD-10 codes
• •If the patient has recurrent erysipelas or it affects multiple body sites, document the specific location and laterality (left/right) as this may affect code selection and severity assessment