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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL02.0

L02.0

Non-billable

Cutaneous abscess, furuncle and carbuncle of face

BILLABLE STATUSNo
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/06/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.0 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of cutaneous abscess, furuncle and carbuncle of face.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L02.0 refers to cutaneous abscesses, furuncles, and carbuncles specifically located on the face. These conditions are characterized by localized collections of pus within the skin or subcutaneous tissue, often resulting from bacterial infections, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus. Clinically, patients may present with painful, swollen areas on the face that may be red, warm, and tender to the touch. Furuncles (boils) are typically single, while carbuncles are larger, more severe infections that can involve multiple hair follicles and may lead to systemic symptoms such as fever. The progression of these conditions can vary; if untreated, they may lead to further complications such as cellulitis or systemic infection. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination and, if necessary, cultures to identify the causative organism. Imaging is rarely required unless there is suspicion of deeper tissue involvement. Effective management often involves incision and drainage of the abscess, along with antibiotic therapy when indicated.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Moderate, as differentiation from other skin conditions may be necessary.
  • Treatment complexity: Moderate, requiring both procedural and pharmacological interventions.
  • Documentation requirements: Requires detailed clinical notes to support diagnosis and treatment.
  • Coding specificity: Moderate, as it is specific to facial abscesses but may overlap with other skin conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of abscess types or locations.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding the extent of the infection.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to lack of supporting documentation for the necessity of procedures.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary medical specialty: Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Secondary specialty: Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of L02.0 lies in its potential to lead to more severe infections if not treated promptly. Population health impact includes the prevalence of skin infections, particularly in communities with limited access to healthcare. Quality measures may focus on timely intervention and appropriate antibiotic use. Understanding healthcare utilization patterns for these conditions can help in resource allocation and preventive strategies, especially in high-risk populations.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of L02.0 lies in its potential to lead to more severe infections if not treated promptly. Population health impact includes the prevalence of skin infections, particularly in communities with limited access to healthcare. Quality measures may focus on timely intervention and appropriate antibiotic use. Understanding healthcare utilization patterns for these conditions can help in resource allocation and preventive strategies, especially in high-risk populations.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of the procedure performed, such as incision and drainage, and whether antibiotics were prescribed. Common denials may arise if documentation does not clearly support the medical necessity of the procedure or if the diagnosis is not adequately substantiated. Best practices include ensuring that all clinical notes are complete and that the coding accurately reflects the services rendered.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for L00-L99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for L00-L99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific conditions are covered by L02.0?

L02.0 covers cutaneous abscesses, furuncles, and carbuncles specifically located on the face, which are characterized by localized pus formation due to bacterial infections.

When should L02.0 be used instead of related codes?

L02.0 should be used when the abscess, furuncle, or carbuncle is specifically located on the face, differentiating it from abscesses in other body areas.

What documentation supports L02.0?

Documentation should include clinical findings such as the size, location, and characteristics of the lesion, as well as any treatment provided, including incision and drainage notes.