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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL02.01

L02.01

Billable

Cutaneous abscess of face

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.01 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cutaneous abscess of face.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L02.01 refers to a cutaneous abscess of the face, which is a localized collection of pus within the skin or subcutaneous tissue, typically resulting from bacterial infection. Clinically, patients may present with swelling, redness, tenderness, and warmth in the affected area, often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever. The face, being a highly vascularized area, can develop abscesses due to various factors including blocked sebaceous glands, hair follicles, or trauma. The disease progression can vary; if untreated, an abscess may enlarge, rupture, and lead to further complications such as cellulitis or systemic infection. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination and, if necessary, imaging studies to assess the extent of the abscess. Aspiration or incision and drainage may be performed for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, and cultures may be taken to identify the causative organism. Proper identification and management are crucial to prevent recurrence and complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity
  • Treatment complexity
  • Documentation requirements
  • Coding specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors include misidentifying the location of the abscess.
  • Documentation gaps may arise if the clinical notes do not specify the abscess's characteristics.
  • Billing challenges can occur if the procedure performed is not adequately documented or justified.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

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

Primary care

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 L02.01 lies in its potential to lead to more severe infections if not treated promptly. Population health impact includes the need for effective management of skin infections to reduce healthcare utilization and improve patient outcomes. Quality measures may focus on timely intervention and appropriate antibiotic use, while epidemiological considerations highlight the prevalence of skin infections in various demographics.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of L02.01 lies in its potential to lead to more severe infections if not treated promptly. Population health impact includes the need for effective management of skin infections to reduce healthcare utilization and improve patient outcomes. Quality measures may focus on timely intervention and appropriate antibiotic use, while epidemiological considerations highlight the prevalence of skin infections in various demographics.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of the procedure, the setting in which it was performed, and the payer's specific guidelines. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or incorrect coding of the procedure. Best practices include thorough documentation of the clinical findings, treatment provided, and follow-up care to support the medical necessity of 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 L02.01?

L02.01 specifically covers cutaneous abscesses located on the face, which may arise from infections, trauma, or other dermatological conditions. It is important to differentiate this from abscesses located in other areas of the body.

When should L02.01 be used instead of related codes?

L02.01 should be used when the abscess is specifically located on the face. If the abscess is located elsewhere, other codes such as L02.9 for unspecified abscess should be considered.

What documentation supports L02.01?

Documentation should include a detailed description of the abscess's location, size, and characteristics, as well as any associated symptoms and the treatment provided. Clinical notes should clearly indicate the diagnosis and rationale for the selected code.