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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesAbscess Buttock

Abscess Buttock

ICD-10 Coding for Buttock Abscess(L02.31, L02.32, L02.33)

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

Diagnosis Overview

What is Abscess Buttock?
Essential facts and insights about Buttock Abscess

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Localized pain and swelling in the buttock area
  • Fever or chills indicating possible systemic infection
  • Presence of fluctuance or induration upon palpation

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Patient history including onset and duration of symptoms
  • Description of abscess size, location, and any drainage performed
  • Assessment of systemic symptoms such as fever or malaise

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Ensure correct code selection based on abscess location and type.
  • Common errors include misclassifying the abscess as a different skin condition.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Cellulitis of the buttock (L03.21)
  • Other skin infections not classified as abscesses

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
L02.21
Abscess of buttock
Ancillary Codes
E11.9
B95.6
Differential Codes
L05.0_
K61.0
L02.33
L02.32

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Emergency Medicine

Specialty Applications

  • Adults and adolescents presenting with skin infections
  • Emergency departments and urgent care settings

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

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

Documentation requirements?

Document the size, location, and characteristics of the abscess, along with any systemic symptoms.

Billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding based on the severity and complexity of the case, including any procedures performed.