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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL02.424

L02.424

Billable

Furuncle of left upper limb

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.424 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of furuncle of left upper limb.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L02.424 refers to a furuncle, commonly known as a boil, located on the left upper limb. This condition is characterized by a painful, pus-filled bump that arises from a hair follicle due to bacterial infection, typically by Staphylococcus aureus. The clinical presentation includes localized redness, swelling, and tenderness, often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever in more severe cases. The anatomy involved primarily includes the skin and subcutaneous tissue, where the infection leads to the formation of an abscess. Disease progression can vary; if untreated, a furuncle may rupture, leading to drainage of pus and potential spread of infection. Diagnostic considerations involve a thorough clinical examination and, if necessary, culture of the pus to identify the causative organism. Differential diagnoses may include carbuncles, cellulitis, or other skin infections. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications such as systemic infection or scarring.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Moderate, as it requires clinical evaluation and possible laboratory confirmation.
  • Treatment complexity: Moderate, involving incision and drainage or antibiotic therapy.
  • Documentation requirements: Requires detailed documentation of symptoms, treatment, and follow-up.
  • Coding specificity: Specific to the location and type of skin infection.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentifying the type of skin infection or incorrect anatomical coding.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records of the clinical presentation or treatment plan.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if documentation does not support the diagnosis or treatment provided.

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

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Furuncles can significantly impact patient quality of life due to pain and discomfort. They may also lead to increased healthcare utilization, including outpatient visits and potential hospitalizations if complications arise. Understanding the epidemiology of furuncles, particularly in populations with higher rates of skin infections, can inform public health strategies aimed at prevention and education.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Furuncles can significantly impact patient quality of life due to pain and discomfort. They may also lead to increased healthcare utilization, including outpatient visits and potential hospitalizations if complications arise. Understanding the epidemiology of furuncles, particularly in populations with higher rates of skin infections, can inform public health strategies aimed at prevention and education.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of the procedure and the setting in which it was performed. Documentation must clearly support the diagnosis and treatment provided to avoid common denials. Best practices include ensuring that all clinical notes are complete and that any follow-up care is documented to support ongoing treatment needs.

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 L02.424?

L02.424 specifically covers furuncles (boils) located on the left upper limb. It does not include other types of skin infections or lesions.

When should L02.424 be used instead of related codes?

L02.424 should be used when the furuncle is specifically located on the left upper limb, distinguishing it from furuncles on other body parts, which have different codes.

What documentation supports L02.424?

Documentation should include a detailed description of the lesion, clinical findings, treatment provided, and any follow-up care. Photographic evidence may also be beneficial.