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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL02.414

L02.414

Billable

Cutaneous abscess of left upper limb

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.414 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cutaneous abscess of left upper limb.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L02.414 refers to a cutaneous abscess located specifically in the left upper limb, which is characterized by a localized collection of pus within the dermis and subcutaneous tissues. 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 anatomy involved includes the skin layers, particularly the epidermis and dermis, as well as the underlying subcutaneous tissue. Disease progression can vary; if untreated, an abscess may lead to further complications such as cellulitis or systemic infection. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination, imaging studies if necessary, and possibly aspiration or incision for culture to identify the causative organism. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment, which may involve incision and drainage, antibiotic therapy, and follow-up care to prevent recurrence.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires clinical evaluation and possibly imaging.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve surgical intervention and antibiotic management.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and follow-up are essential.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other abscesses.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of abscess location or type.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding symptoms or treatment.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to lack of specificity or supporting 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 L02.414 lies in its potential to lead to serious complications 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 follow-up care to prevent recurrence, while epidemiological considerations highlight the prevalence of skin infections in various demographics.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of L02.414 lies in its potential to lead to serious complications 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 follow-up care to prevent recurrence, while epidemiological considerations highlight the prevalence of skin infections in various demographics.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the procedure codes for incision and drainage, if performed, are correctly linked to the diagnosis. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or lack of specificity in the diagnosis. Best practices include maintaining thorough clinical notes, ensuring that all relevant details are captured, and using appropriate modifiers when necessary to reflect the complexity of the procedure.

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 L02.414?

L02.414 specifically covers cutaneous abscesses located in the left upper limb, which may arise from various causes including bacterial infections, blocked sweat glands, or foreign body reactions.

When should L02.414 be used instead of related codes?

L02.414 should be used when the abscess is confirmed to be in the left upper limb, differentiating it from abscesses in other locations or those that are unspecified.

What documentation supports L02.414?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical assessment, treatment plan, and any imaging or laboratory results that confirm the diagnosis of a cutaneous abscess in the left upper limb.