Acute lymphadenitis (L04)
The ICD-10 codes under L04 are used to classify cases of acute lymphadenitis, an infection causing sudden swelling and inflammation of lymph nodes. These codes specify the affected body region to improve diagnosis accuracy and treatment tracking.
Acute lymphadenitis, also known as acute cervical lymphadenitis or lymph node abscess, occurs in various locations such as the face, head, and neck (L04.0), trunk (L04.1), upper limbs (L04.2), and lower limbs (L04.3). These terms help medical coders identify the exact site of infection, which is essential for precise billing and patient care. The code L04.8 covers acute lymphadenitis at other specified sites, while L04.9 is used when the site is unspecified, including conditions like acute abscess lymph node or lymphadenopathy co-occurring with HIV infection. Understanding these distinctions aids in selecting the correct ICD-10 code for acute lymphadenitis and related infections in skin and subcutaneous tissues.
Instructional Notations
Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
- abscess (acute) of lymph nodes, except mesenteric
- acute lymphadenitis, except mesenteric
Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
- chronic or subacute lymphadenitis, except mesenteric I88.1
- enlarged lymph nodes R59
- human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease resulting in generalized lymphadenopathy B20
- lymphadenitis NOS I88.9
- nonspecific mesenteric lymphadenitis I88.0
Clinical Terms
The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.
Lymphocele
Cystic mass containing lymph from diseased lymphatic channels or following surgical trauma or other injury.
