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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL02.211

L02.211

Billable

Cutaneous abscess of abdominal wall

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.211 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cutaneous abscess of abdominal wall.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L02.211 refers to a cutaneous abscess of the abdominal wall, which is a localized collection of pus within the skin or subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal region. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as localized swelling, redness, warmth, and tenderness over the affected area, often accompanied by systemic signs of infection like fever and malaise. The abdominal wall consists of multiple layers, including the skin, subcutaneous tissue, fascia, and muscle, and abscess formation typically occurs in the subcutaneous tissue. The disease progression can vary; if untreated, an abscess may enlarge, rupture, or lead to systemic infection. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination, imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans to assess the extent of the abscess, and laboratory tests to identify the causative organism. Proper identification and management are crucial to prevent complications such as cellulitis or sepsis.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires clinical evaluation and possibly imaging.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve incision and drainage, antibiotics, and follow-up care.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging results are necessary.
  • Coding specificity: Requires accurate identification of the abscess location and characteristics.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentifying the site or type of abscess.
  • Documentation gaps: Insufficient clinical details or lack of imaging reports.
  • Billing challenges: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials or delays in reimbursement.

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: General Surgery

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 L02.211 lies in its potential to lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. Population health impact includes the prevalence of skin infections and the burden on healthcare resources. Quality measures may focus on timely intervention and effective management of abscesses to reduce hospitalizations. Understanding healthcare utilization patterns for conditions like cutaneous abscesses can inform preventive strategies and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of L02.211 lies in its potential to lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. Population health impact includes the prevalence of skin infections and the burden on healthcare resources. Quality measures may focus on timely intervention and effective management of abscesses to reduce hospitalizations. Understanding healthcare utilization patterns for conditions like cutaneous abscesses can inform preventive strategies and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of the procedure performed, such as incision and drainage, and the necessity of follow-up care. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or incorrect coding. Best practices include maintaining comprehensive clinical notes, ensuring accurate coding of the abscess location, and verifying that all related services are appropriately documented and billed.

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 L02.211?

L02.211 specifically covers cutaneous abscesses located in the abdominal wall, which may arise from various etiologies including bacterial infections, trauma, or foreign body reactions.

When should L02.211 be used instead of related codes?

L02.211 should be used when the abscess is specifically located in the abdominal wall, differentiating it from abscesses in other regions or unspecified abscesses.

What documentation supports L02.211?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical assessment, imaging studies confirming the abscess location, and treatment notes outlining the management plan.