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ICD-10-CM 2027

ICD-10 code for drainage site cellulitis

T81.49

Infection following a procedure, other surgical site

Header — needs a more specific code

From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Cellulitis (diffuse) (phlegmonous) (septic) (suppurative) › drainage site (following operation)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.

About coding drainage site cellulitis

The ICD-10-CM code for drainage site cellulitis is T81.49 (Infection following a procedure, other surgical site).

Within T81.4, choose T81.49 (other surgical site) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: unspecified (T81.40), superficial incisional surgical site (T81.41), deep incisional surgical site (T81.42), organ and space surgical site (T81.43) and sepsis following a procedure (T81.44).

Codes in this range require a 7th character: A for initial encounter, D for subsequent encounter and S for sequela. Use placeholder "X" characters to fill any empty positions before the 7th character.

Use an additional code for adverse effect, if applicable, to identify drug (T36-T50 with fifth or sixth character 5).

Common questions about drainage site cellulitis ICD-10 codes

What is the ICD-10 code for drainage site cellulitis?

T81.49 — Infection following a procedure, other surgical site (a header code; report a more specific subcode).

Is T81.49 billable?

No. T81.49 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.