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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL02.223

L02.223

Billable

Furuncle of chest wall

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.223 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of furuncle of chest wall.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L02.223 refers to a furuncle (boil) located on the chest wall, which is a painful, pus-filled bump that arises from an infected hair follicle. The condition is characterized by localized inflammation, redness, and swelling, often accompanied by tenderness and warmth at the site. The chest wall, comprising skin and subcutaneous tissue, is particularly susceptible to furuncles due to friction, moisture, and bacterial colonization, primarily by Staphylococcus aureus. Disease progression typically begins with the formation of a small, red bump that evolves into a larger, painful nodule filled with pus. If untreated, furuncles can rupture, leading to drainage of pus and potential spread of infection. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination, patient history, and, if necessary, cultures to identify the causative organism. Differential diagnoses may include carbuncles, abscesses, or other skin infections. Proper identification and management are crucial to prevent complications such as systemic infection or scarring.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Moderate; requires clinical evaluation and possibly laboratory tests.
  • Treatment complexity: Moderate; may involve incision and drainage, antibiotics, or both.
  • Documentation requirements: Moderate; requires detailed clinical notes and treatment plans.
  • Coding specificity: High; specific to furuncle on the chest wall.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentification of the site or type of lesion.
  • Documentation gaps: Insufficient detail on the clinical presentation or treatment.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if the documentation does not support the diagnosis.

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

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 chest wall, can significantly impact patient quality of life due to pain and discomfort. They may lead to increased healthcare utilization, including office visits and potential surgical interventions. Understanding the epidemiology of skin infections, particularly in populations with higher risk factors such as diabetes or immunocompromised states, is essential for improving population health outcomes and implementing effective preventive measures.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Furuncles, including those on the chest wall, can significantly impact patient quality of life due to pain and discomfort. They may lead to increased healthcare utilization, including office visits and potential surgical interventions. Understanding the epidemiology of skin infections, particularly in populations with higher risk factors such as diabetes or immunocompromised states, is essential for improving population health outcomes and implementing effective preventive measures.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of the procedure performed, such as incision and drainage, which may be billed separately using CPT codes 10060 or 10061. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity. Coders should ensure that the diagnosis aligns with the procedure codes and that all relevant information is captured in the medical record to support the claim.

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 L02.223?

L02.223 specifically covers furuncles located on the chest wall, which are typically caused by bacterial infections of hair follicles. It does not include other skin lesions or infections that are not classified as furuncles.

When should L02.223 be used instead of related codes?

L02.223 should be used when the furuncle is specifically located on the chest wall. If the lesion is on another part of the body, such as the neck or trunk, the corresponding codes L02.221 or L02.222 should be used.

What documentation supports L02.223?

Documentation should include a detailed description of the lesion, including size, location, symptoms, and any treatments provided. Clinical notes should also reflect the patient's history and any relevant laboratory results.