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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL02.61

L02.61

Non-billable

Cutaneous abscess of foot

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.61 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of cutaneous abscess of foot.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L02.61 refers to a cutaneous abscess of the foot, which is a localized collection of pus within the skin or subcutaneous tissue due to infection. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as localized swelling, redness, warmth, and tenderness in the affected area, often accompanied by systemic signs like fever. The anatomy involved primarily includes the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat layers of the foot. Disease progression can vary; if untreated, an abscess may enlarge, leading to further complications such as cellulitis or systemic infection. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination, possibly supported by imaging studies like ultrasound to assess the extent of the abscess. Culturing the pus may also be necessary to identify the causative organism and guide antibiotic therapy. Proper identification and management are crucial to prevent complications and promote healing.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires clinical evaluation and possible imaging.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve incision and drainage, along with antibiotic therapy.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and possibly imaging reports.
  • Coding specificity: Requires accurate identification of the abscess location and type.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentifying the location or type of abscess.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding the abscess characteristics.
  • Billing challenges: Denials due to insufficient documentation or incorrect code selection.

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

Podiatry

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 L02.61 lies in its potential to lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. Population health impact includes the prevalence of skin infections, which can vary based on demographics and underlying health conditions. Quality measures may focus on timely intervention and appropriate antibiotic use. Understanding healthcare utilization patterns related to cutaneous abscesses can help in resource allocation and preventive strategies, particularly in high-risk populations.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of L02.61 lies in its potential to lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. Population health impact includes the prevalence of skin infections, which can vary based on demographics and underlying health conditions. Quality measures may focus on timely intervention and appropriate antibiotic use. Understanding healthcare utilization patterns related to cutaneous abscesses can help in resource allocation and preventive strategies, particularly in high-risk populations.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of the procedure, the setting in which care is provided, and the payer's specific guidelines. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or incorrect coding. Best practices include maintaining clear, concise clinical notes and ensuring that all relevant details are captured to support the medical necessity of the services rendered.

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 L02.61?

L02.61 specifically covers cutaneous abscesses located on the foot, which may arise from various causes including bacterial infections, foreign bodies, or underlying skin conditions. It is important to differentiate it from other skin infections such as cellulitis or furuncles.

When should L02.61 be used instead of related codes?

L02.61 should be used when there is a confirmed diagnosis of a cutaneous abscess specifically located on the foot. It is essential to differentiate it from other abscess locations or types, such as L02.62 for the leg or L02.63 for the trunk.

What documentation supports L02.61?

Documentation should include a detailed description of the abscess, including size, location, and associated symptoms. Clinical notes should reflect the examination findings, any imaging results, and the treatment plan, including procedures performed.