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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesAxillary Abscess

Axillary Abscess

ICD-10 Coding for Axillary Abscess(L02.411, L02.412)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYEmergency Medicine
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Axillary Abscess?
Essential facts and insights about Axillary Abscess

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Localized pain and swelling in the axillary region
  • Fever and malaise may be present
  • Pus drainage upon examination

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Patient history including onset and duration of symptoms
  • Description of the abscess size and location
  • Note of any associated systemic symptoms

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Follow guidelines for coding abscesses based on location and complexity.
  • Common errors include misclassifying the abscess type or location.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Other skin infections such as cellulitis or furuncles
  • Alternative codes for abscesses in different locations

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
L02.21
Cutaneous abscess of axilla
Ancillary Codes
A41.9
Differential Codes
L03.111
L03.112

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Emergency Medicine

Specialty Applications

  • Adults and children presenting with axillary swelling
  • Emergency departments and urgent care settings

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the documentation requirements?

Document the size, location, and characteristics of the abscess, along with any systemic symptoms.

What are the billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding to reflect the complexity of the case and any procedures performed.