A46 ICD-10-CM Code: Erysipelas
HCC Buddy Code Card
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FY 2026 Apr update / Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99) / Other bacterial diseases (A30-A49)
A46
Billable / SpecificICD-10-CMOfficial ICD-10-CMCodebook guidanceErysipelas
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.
CMS-HCC V28
N/A—
Not mapped
CMS-HCC V24
N/A—
Not mapped
ACA/HHS
N/A—
Not mapped
ESRD/PACE
N/A—
Not mapped
RXHCC
N/A—
Not mapped
Code Book Path
Inclusion Terms
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list inclusion terms for A46 in this effective period.
Excludes 2
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Excludes 2 notes for A46 in this effective period.
Related Child Codes
ICD-10-CM does not list child codes under A46 for this display context.
Includes
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Includes notes for A46 in this effective period.
Excludes 1
Official- postpartum or puerperal erysipelas (O86.89)
Code First
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Code First sequencing instructions for A46 in this effective period.
Use Additional
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Use Additional Code instructions for A46 in this effective period.
Code Also
OfficialICD-10-CM does not list Code Also instructions for A46 in this effective period.
Buddy Documentation Tip
Last updated: FY2026 ICD-10-CM Apr update, Apr 1, 2026 through Sep 30, 2026. CMS-HCC V28 is 100% phased in for payment year 2026.
Is A46 an HCC code?
No. A46 is a billable ICD-10-CM code but does not map to any HCC category in V28, V24, ESRD, or RxHCC.
Coder workflow notes
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This code does not map to an HCC category in any model (V28, V24, ESRD, RxHCC).
What This Code Means
A46 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for erysipelas. 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. A46 sits in the ICD-10-CM chapter for certain infectious and parasitic diseases (a00-b99), within the section covering other bacterial diseases (a30-a49).
A46 is a billable ICD-10-CM code but does not map to a payment HCC under the CMS-HCC V28, V24, ESRD, or RxHCC risk adjustment models. It can be reported on Medicare Advantage encounter data submissions but it does not contribute to a beneficiary's RAF score and therefore does not affect risk-adjusted payments to the plan.
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.
HCC Buddy maintains structured V28 and V24 mapping, RAF weights, and MEAT documentation criteria for A46 sourced directly from the CMS-HCC risk adjustment model files and the CMS ICD-10-CM code set.
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
Excludes 1, Do NOT code together
- postpartum or puerperal erysipelas (O86.89)