ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for cheek external cellulitis
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Cellulitis (diffuse) (phlegmonous) (septic) (suppurative) › cheek (external)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding cheek external cellulitis
The ICD-10-CM code for cheek external cellulitis is L03.211 (Cellulitis of face). The official index lists 1 more specific code, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on L03.211.
Within L03.21 (cellulitis and acute lymphangitis of face), L03.211 is specifically for cellulitis of face. Related codes cover acute lymphangitis of face (L03.212) and Periorbital cellulitis (L03.213).
The conditions in its Excludes2 note aren't part of L03.211, but may be coded alongside it if the patient has both: abscess of orbit (H05.01-), cellulitis of ear (H60.1-), cellulitis of eyelid (H00.0-), cellulitis of head (L03.81) and 6 more.
As a secondary diagnosis it is a CC (complication or comorbidity), which can move an inpatient stay into the "with CC" MS-DRG of its family, unless the principal diagnosis excludes it.
More specific cheek external cellulitis codes (official index)
- internal K12.2 — Cellulitis and abscess of mouth
Common questions about cheek external cellulitis ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for cheek external cellulitis?
- L03.211 — Cellulitis of face. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: K12.2.
What is the ICD-10 code for internal cheek external cellulitis?
- K12.2 — Cellulitis and abscess of mouth.
Is L03.211 billable?
- Yes. L03.211 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can L03.211 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict L03.211 as a principal diagnosis.
Is L03.211 a CC or MCC?
- L03.211 is a CC (complication or comorbidity) under MS-DRG v44.0, unless excluded by the principal diagnosis.