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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL02.8

L02.8

Non-billable

Cutaneous abscess, furuncle and carbuncle of other sites

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.8 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of cutaneous abscess, furuncle and carbuncle of other sites.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L02.8 refers to cutaneous abscesses, furuncles, and carbuncles located at sites other than those specifically defined in other codes. These conditions are characterized by localized collections of pus within the skin or subcutaneous tissue, often resulting from bacterial infections, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus. Clinically, patients may present with painful, swollen areas of the skin that are red and warm to the touch. The abscess may fluctuate, indicating the presence of pus beneath the skin. The anatomical sites affected can vary widely, excluding the more common areas such as the face, neck, and axillae. Disease progression can lead to systemic symptoms such as fever and malaise if the infection spreads. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination, and in some cases, imaging studies may be warranted to assess the extent of the infection. Culturing the pus can help identify the causative organism and guide appropriate antibiotic therapy. Accurate diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications such as cellulitis or systemic infection.

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

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 L02.8 lies in its association with bacterial infections that can lead to serious complications if untreated. Understanding the epidemiology of these conditions is crucial, as they can affect various populations, particularly those with compromised immune systems. Quality measures may include tracking the incidence of skin infections and ensuring appropriate antibiotic stewardship to reduce resistance. Healthcare utilization patterns may reflect increased visits to urgent care or emergency departments for abscess management, highlighting the need for effective outpatient treatment strategies.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of L02.8 lies in its association with bacterial infections that can lead to serious complications if untreated. Understanding the epidemiology of these conditions is crucial, as they can affect various populations, particularly those with compromised immune systems. Quality measures may include tracking the incidence of skin infections and ensuring appropriate antibiotic stewardship to reduce resistance. Healthcare utilization patterns may reflect increased visits to urgent care or emergency departments for abscess management, highlighting the need for effective outpatient treatment strategies.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of the procedure, the location of the abscess, and any associated services provided. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or coding errors, particularly if the anatomical site is not clearly specified. Best practices include ensuring that all relevant clinical information is captured and that the coding aligns with the documentation 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 L02.8?

L02.8 covers cutaneous abscesses, furuncles, and carbuncles located at unspecified sites, excluding those defined in other specific codes. It includes infections that may arise from hair follicles or sweat glands, leading to localized pus formation.

When should L02.8 be used instead of related codes?

L02.8 should be used when the abscess, furuncle, or carbuncle is located at a site not specified by other codes. It is essential to differentiate based on the anatomical location and clinical presentation to ensure accurate coding.

What documentation supports L02.8?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical assessment, including the location, size, and characteristics of the lesion, as well as any laboratory results such as cultures or imaging studies that support the diagnosis.