ICD-10 Code L03.039 – Cellulitis of unspecified toe (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L03.039 – Cellulitis of unspecified toe
What it is
L03.039 identifies cellulitis affecting a toe when the toe is not further specified. It refers to a bacterial skin and soft tissue infection with inflammation of the toe’s skin and subcutaneous tissue.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include localized redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes pain in the toe. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for whether the infection is limited to skin or extends deeper.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents cellulitis of a toe but does not identify the right or left toe, or another more specific toe site. It also fits when the note simply says “toe cellulitis” without laterality or further detail. If documentation is unclear, check documentation before assigning a more specific code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for cellulitis of a specified toe when laterality or a different toe is documented. Do not use it for noninfectious toe swelling, trauma, or other skin conditions unless cellulitis is clearly stated.
Coding tip
Code the highest level of specificity documented, and query for laterality if the record only says “toe cellulitis.”