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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL02.529

L02.529

Billable

Furuncle unspecified hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.529 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of furuncle unspecified hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L02.529 refers to a furuncle, or boil, located on an unspecified area of the hand. A furuncle is a painful, pus-filled bump that forms under the skin when hair follicles become infected, typically by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The clinical presentation often includes localized redness, swelling, and tenderness, with the potential for the formation of a central necrotic area. The anatomy involved primarily includes the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the hand, where hair follicles are present. Disease progression can lead to the development of multiple furuncles, known as carbuncles, if left untreated. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination, patient history, and, if necessary, culture of the pus to identify the causative organism. Differential diagnoses may include other skin infections or conditions such as cellulitis or abscesses. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications, including systemic infection.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Moderate, as it requires distinguishing from other skin infections.
  • Treatment complexity: Moderate, often requiring incision and drainage, and possibly antibiotics.
  • Documentation requirements: Moderate, necessitating detailed clinical notes and follow-up.
  • Coding specificity: Medium, as it specifies the location but not the underlying cause.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification with other skin infections.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete patient history or treatment notes.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if specificity is lacking.

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: 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, leading to increased healthcare utilization. They are more prevalent in populations with compromised immune systems or poor hygiene practices. Understanding the epidemiology of furuncles can help healthcare providers implement preventive measures and improve patient education on skin care, ultimately reducing the incidence of these infections.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Furuncles can significantly impact patient quality of life due to pain and discomfort, leading to increased healthcare utilization. They are more prevalent in populations with compromised immune systems or poor hygiene practices. Understanding the epidemiology of furuncles can help healthcare providers implement preventive measures and improve patient education on skin care, ultimately reducing the incidence of these infections.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement may depend on the specificity of the diagnosis and the documentation supporting the medical necessity of the procedure. Common denials may arise if the documentation does not clearly establish the diagnosis or if the procedure performed does not align with the diagnosis. Coders should ensure that the CPT codes for any procedures, such as incision and drainage, are accurately linked to the diagnosis code 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 L02.529?

L02.529 specifically covers furuncles located on the hand, which are typically caused by bacterial infections of hair follicles. It does not cover other skin infections or lesions.

When should L02.529 be used instead of related codes?

L02.529 should be used when the furuncle's location is unspecified, and there is no clear indication of whether it is on the right or left hand. If the location is known, the more specific codes L02.521 or L02.522 should be used.

What documentation supports L02.529?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical examination, patient history, treatment plan, and any laboratory results if cultures are taken. Notes should clearly describe the lesion and any associated symptoms.