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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL02.221

L02.221

Billable

Furuncle of abdominal wall

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.221 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of furuncle of abdominal wall.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L02.221 refers to a furuncle (boil) located on the abdominal wall, which is a localized infection of the hair follicle caused primarily by Staphylococcus aureus. Clinically, a furuncle presents as a painful, swollen, and erythematous nodule that may contain pus. The abdominal wall, being a common site for such infections, can be affected due to friction, moisture, or pre-existing skin conditions. Disease progression typically begins with the formation of a small, tender bump that can enlarge and become fluctuant as pus accumulates. If untreated, it may lead to further complications such as abscess formation or systemic infection. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination and, if necessary, culture of the pus to identify the causative organism. It is essential to differentiate furuncles from other skin lesions such as carbuncles or cellulitis, which may require different management strategies. Proper identification and treatment are crucial to prevent recurrence and complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires clinical evaluation and possibly laboratory tests.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve incision and drainage, antibiotics, or both.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and treatment plans are necessary.
  • Coding specificity: Requires accurate identification of the site and nature of the lesion.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentifying the site or type of lesion.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records regarding the clinical presentation or treatment.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if documentation does not support the diagnosis or treatment provided.

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

Furuncles, including those on the abdominal wall, can significantly impact patient quality of life due to pain and discomfort. They may lead to increased healthcare utilization, including outpatient visits and potential surgical interventions. Understanding the epidemiology of skin infections, including furuncles, is essential for public health initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence of skin infections and improving overall population health.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Furuncles, including those on the abdominal wall, can significantly impact patient quality of life due to pain and discomfort. They may lead to increased healthcare utilization, including outpatient visits and potential surgical interventions. Understanding the epidemiology of skin infections, including furuncles, is essential for public health initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence of skin infections and improving overall population health.

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 from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for the procedure. It is crucial to ensure that the coding aligns with the documentation to avoid billing issues.

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 L02.221?

L02.221 specifically covers furuncles located on the abdominal wall. It is important to differentiate this from other skin infections such as carbuncles or cellulitis, which may have different coding and treatment implications.

When should L02.221 be used instead of related codes?

L02.221 should be used when the clinical presentation specifically indicates a furuncle on the abdominal wall. If the lesion is located elsewhere, such as the back or neck, the corresponding codes L02.222 or L02.223 should be utilized.

What documentation supports L02.221?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical examination noting the size, location, and characteristics of the furuncle, as well as any treatment provided. Laboratory results, if obtained, should also be included to support the diagnosis.