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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL02.5

L02.5

Non-billable

Cutaneous abscess, furuncle and carbuncle of hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.5 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of cutaneous abscess, furuncle and carbuncle of hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L02.5 refers to cutaneous abscesses, furuncles, and carbuncles specifically located on the hand. These conditions are characterized by localized collections of pus within the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, often resulting from bacterial infections, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus. Clinically, patients may present with painful, swollen areas on the hand, which may exhibit redness, warmth, and tenderness. The progression of these lesions can lead to the formation of a central necrotic area, which may eventually drain spontaneously or require surgical intervention. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination and, if necessary, culture of the pus to identify the causative organism. Imaging studies are rarely required unless there is suspicion of deeper tissue involvement. It is crucial to differentiate these conditions from other skin disorders such as cellulitis or other abscesses located in different body areas, as treatment and management strategies may differ significantly.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity
  • Treatment complexity
  • Documentation requirements
  • Coding specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors
  • Documentation gaps
  • Billing challenges

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

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 L02.5 lies in its potential to cause discomfort and complications if left untreated, such as systemic infection or the need for surgical intervention. In terms of population health, these conditions can lead to increased healthcare utilization, including emergency visits and surgical procedures. Monitoring these conditions contributes to quality measures aimed at reducing infection rates and improving patient outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of L02.5 lies in its potential to cause discomfort and complications if left untreated, such as systemic infection or the need for surgical intervention. In terms of population health, these conditions can lead to increased healthcare utilization, including emergency visits and surgical procedures. Monitoring these conditions contributes to quality measures aimed at reducing infection rates and improving patient outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of the procedure performed, the setting (inpatient vs. outpatient), and the payer's specific guidelines. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or incorrect coding, so it is essential to ensure that all clinical notes support the diagnosis and treatment provided. Best practices include thorough documentation of the clinical encounter and adherence to payer-specific billing requirements.

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 L02.5?

L02.5 encompasses cutaneous abscesses, furuncles (boils), and carbuncles that are specifically located on the hand. These conditions are typically caused by bacterial infections and can present with localized swelling, pain, and pus formation.

When should L02.5 be used instead of related codes?

L02.5 should be used when the abscess, furuncle, or carbuncle is specifically located on the hand. If the lesion is located on another body part, such as the face or neck, the appropriate related code should be selected.

What documentation supports L02.5?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical examination note describing the lesion's location, size, appearance, and any associated symptoms. Additionally, any laboratory results, such as cultures, and treatment plans should be documented to support the diagnosis.