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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL02.611

L02.611

Billable

Cutaneous abscess of right foot

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.611 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cutaneous abscess of right foot.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L02.611 refers to a cutaneous abscess located on the right foot, which is a localized collection of pus within the dermis or subcutaneous tissue. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as localized swelling, redness, warmth, and tenderness in the affected area. The abscess may be accompanied by systemic symptoms like fever or malaise, particularly if the infection is severe. The anatomy involved includes the skin layers (epidermis, dermis) and the subcutaneous tissue, where the abscess forms due to bacterial infection, often stemming from a hair follicle or a break in the skin. Disease progression can lead to increased pain and swelling, and if left untreated, may result in complications such as cellulitis or systemic infection. Diagnostic considerations include physical examination, history taking, and potentially imaging studies if deeper structures are involved. Culturing the pus may also be necessary to identify the causative organism and guide antibiotic therapy.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires clinical evaluation and possibly imaging.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve incision and drainage, along with antibiotic therapy.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and treatment plans are essential.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other abscess locations.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentifying the location or type of abscess.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding symptoms or treatment.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if documentation does not support the diagnosis.

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: Infectious Disease

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 L02.611 lies in its potential to lead to more serious infections if not treated promptly. Population health impact includes the need for effective management of skin infections to reduce hospitalizations and complications. Quality measures may focus on timely treatment and follow-up care, while healthcare utilization patterns reflect the frequency of abscess presentations in outpatient and emergency settings. Epidemiologically, understanding the prevalence of skin abscesses can aid in public health initiatives aimed at infection prevention.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of L02.611 lies in its potential to lead to more serious infections if not treated promptly. Population health impact includes the need for effective management of skin infections to reduce hospitalizations and complications. Quality measures may focus on timely treatment and follow-up care, while healthcare utilization patterns reflect the frequency of abscess presentations in outpatient and emergency settings. Epidemiologically, understanding the prevalence of skin abscesses can aid in public health initiatives aimed at infection prevention.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of the procedure performed, such as incision and drainage, and the necessity for follow-up visits. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or lack of medical necessity. Best practices include ensuring that all clinical notes are complete, detailing the patient's symptoms, treatment rationale, and any follow-up care provided to support the claim.

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 L02.611?

L02.611 specifically covers cutaneous abscesses of the right foot, which can arise from various causes including bacterial infections, trauma, or underlying skin conditions. It is essential to differentiate it from other types of skin infections such as cellulitis or folliculitis.

When should L02.611 be used instead of related codes?

L02.611 should be used when the abscess is specifically located on the right foot. If the abscess is on another part of the body, or if it is not localized, other codes such as L02.612 for the left foot or L02.9 for unspecified abscess should be considered.

What documentation supports L02.611?

Documentation should include a thorough clinical examination, details of the abscess's appearance, symptoms reported by the patient, any imaging studies performed, and the treatment plan including any procedures like incision and drainage.