ICD-10 Code L03.213 – Periorbital Cellulitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L03.213 – Periorbital cellulitis
What it is
L03.213 identifies cellulitis affecting the tissues around the eye socket, usually the eyelid or periorbital area. It describes a localized bacterial soft tissue infection, not an infection inside the eye.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include eyelid redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness around one eye. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation if the record does not clearly distinguish periorbital from orbital involvement.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents periorbital cellulitis, preseptal cellulitis, or cellulitis of the eyelid/periocular tissues. It also fits cases where the infection is limited to the area surrounding the eye and the documentation supports a superficial soft tissue infection.
If the note describes orbital cellulitis, abscess, or another deeper eye condition, check documentation before assigning L03.213. You should code the documented diagnosis, not the presumed location.
Do not use for
Do not use L03.213 for orbital cellulitis or nonspecific eye redness without a cellulitis diagnosis. Check documentation if the record only mentions conjunctivitis, hordeolum, or swelling without infection.
Coding tip
Confirm the provider’s exact anatomic site and whether the infection is periorbital rather than orbital before coding.