ICD-10 Code A43.1 – Cutaneous nocardiosis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A43.1 – Cutaneous nocardiosis
What it is
A43.1 identifies nocardial infection of the skin and soft tissues. It is used when Nocardia causes a localized cutaneous infection rather than disease limited to the lungs or central nervous system.
Clinical signs
Findings may include a painful skin lesion, abscess, draining sinus, or ulcer after direct inoculation. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for culture or pathology confirmation when available.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record specifically documents cutaneous nocardiosis or a Nocardia infection involving the skin, subcutaneous tissue, or soft tissue. It also fits when the clinician clearly links the lesion to nocardial infection. If the site is not documented, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use A43.1 for pulmonary, disseminated, or cerebral nocardiosis. Do not assign it for an unspecified skin infection unless Nocardia is explicitly documented.
Coding tip
Confirm the organism and infection site in the provider note before coding, and query if the record only says “abscess” or “wound infection.”