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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL02.219

L02.219

Billable

Cutaneous abscess of trunk, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.219 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cutaneous abscess of trunk, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L02.219 refers to a cutaneous abscess located on the trunk, which is characterized by a localized collection of pus within the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as swelling, redness, warmth, and tenderness over the affected area, often accompanied by systemic signs of infection like fever or malaise. The trunk encompasses the thorax and abdomen, making it a common site for abscess formation due to various factors, including bacterial infections, blocked sebaceous glands, or trauma. Disease progression typically involves the initial formation of a painful nodule that may evolve into a fluctuant mass as pus accumulates. Diagnostic considerations include physical examination and, if necessary, imaging studies to assess the extent of the abscess. Culturing the pus can help identify the causative organism, guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy. It is essential to differentiate L02.219 from other related codes, such as those for abscesses in other anatomical locations or those with specific etiologies, to ensure accurate coding and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Moderate, as it requires clinical evaluation and possibly imaging.
  • Treatment complexity: Moderate, as it may involve incision and drainage, along with antibiotic therapy.
  • Documentation requirements: Requires detailed clinical notes and possibly lab results.
  • Coding specificity: Moderate, as it is specific to the trunk but lacks further specification.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of abscess location or type.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding the abscess characteristics.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to lack of specificity or insufficient documentation.

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 L02.219 lies in its association with potential complications, such as systemic infection or the need for surgical intervention. Population health impact includes the prevalence of skin infections, which can vary based on geographic and demographic factors. Quality measures may focus on timely treatment and follow-up care to prevent recurrence. Understanding healthcare utilization patterns related to cutaneous abscesses can inform public health strategies and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of L02.219 lies in its association with potential complications, such as systemic infection or the need for surgical intervention. Population health impact includes the prevalence of skin infections, which can vary based on geographic and demographic factors. Quality measures may focus on timely treatment and follow-up care to prevent recurrence. Understanding healthcare utilization patterns related to cutaneous abscesses can inform public health strategies and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the procedure codes for incision and drainage are appropriately linked to the diagnosis code. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or lack of clarity regarding the abscess's characteristics. Best practices include maintaining detailed clinical notes, ensuring that all relevant information is captured, and verifying that the coding aligns with 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 L02.219?

L02.219 covers cutaneous abscesses of the trunk that are not specified as being due to a particular organism or condition. This includes abscesses resulting from bacterial infections, trauma, or other non-specific causes.

When should L02.219 be used instead of related codes?

L02.219 should be used when the abscess is located on the trunk and there is no further specification regarding the type or cause of the abscess. If the abscess is located elsewhere or has specific characteristics, other codes should be considered.

What documentation supports L02.219?

Documentation should include a thorough clinical examination, description of the abscess, any imaging studies performed, and results from cultures if applicable. Clear notes on the treatment plan and follow-up care are also essential.