ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesAbscess Abdominal Wall

Abscess Abdominal Wall

ICD-10 Coding for Abdominal Wall Abscess(L02.211, K65.1)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYSurgery
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Abscess Abdominal Wall?
Essential facts and insights about Abdominal Wall Abscess

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Presence of localized pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the abdominal wall area
  • Fever, chills, or other systemic signs of infection
  • Positive imaging findings such as ultrasound or CT scan showing a fluid collection in the abdominal wall

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Detailed description of the physical examination findings
  • Results of imaging studies
  • Confirmation of diagnosis through clinical or laboratory findings
  • Treatment provided, such as antibiotics or surgical drainage

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • L02.211 is used for cutaneous abscess of the abdominal wall, while K65.1 is used for peritoneal abscess
  • L02.211 should not be confused with L02.219, which is for unspecified cutaneous abscess

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Intra-abdominal abscess (K65.0)
  • Subphrenic abscess (K65.0)

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
L02.211
Cutaneous abscess of abdominal wall
K65.1
Peritoneal abscess
Ancillary Codes
B95.61
B95.62
Differential Codes
K65.1
K65.1
for abscesses located within the peritoneal cavity, not the abdominal wall.
L02.211
L02.211
for abscesses confined to the abdominal wall.

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Surgery

Specialty Applications

  • Patients presenting with localized infection in the abdominal wall
  • Cases where imaging studies confirm the presence of an abscess in the abdominal wall or peritoneum

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Template 1

Patient presents with localized pain, redness, and swelling in the abdominal wall. Imaging studies confirm the presence of an abscess.

Template 2

Patient treated for cutaneous abscess of the abdominal wall. Antibiotics prescribed and surgical drainage performed.

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between L02.211 and K65.1?

L02.211 is used for cutaneous abscess of the abdominal wall, while K65.1 is used for peritoneal abscess.

When should this code be used?

This code should be used when the patient has been diagnosed with an abscess in the abdominal wall or peritoneum.