Erysipelas (A46) ICD-10-CM
The A46 code range covers erysipelas with 1 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 1 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
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.
- postpartum or puerperal erysipelas O86.89
Codes in the A46 Range 1 codes · 1 billable
- A46 Erysipelas
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the A46 range.
Erysipelas
An acute infection of the skin caused by species of STREPTOCOCCUS. This disease most frequently affects infants, young children, and the elderly. Characteristics include pink-to-red lesions that spread rapidly and are warm to the touch. The commonest site of involvement is the face.
Streptococcus
A genus of gram-positive, coccoid bacteria whose organisms occur in pairs or chains. No endospores are produced. Many species exist as commensals or parasites on man or animals with some being highly pathogenic. A few species are saprophytes and occur in the natural environment.
About the A46 Code Range
The ICD-10 code A46 is used specifically to classify cases of erysipelas, a bacterial infection that primarily affects the skin and underlying tissues. This code covers different forms and locations of erysipelas, including facial, lower limb, and recurrent infections.
Erysipelas is identified by the ICD-10 code A46 in medical records and billing, helping healthcare providers document infections like facial erysipelas, erysipelas of the lower limbs (including both right and left sides), and recurrent skin infections caused by streptococcal bacteria. The synonyms such as recurrent cellulitis and chronic recurrent streptococcal erysipelas clarify that this code includes repeated bacterial skin infections which can affect different body areas, including the ear canal (infective otitis externa due to erysipelas). Using the ICD-10 code for erysipelas ensures precise classification of these bacterial skin infections for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiological tracking.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the A46 range?
Of the 1 codes in this range, 1 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the A46 range classify?
The range classifies erysipelas. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
