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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesBack Abscess

Back Abscess

ICD-10 Coding for Back Abscess(L02.212)

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

Diagnosis Overview

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

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Localized pain in the back
  • Swelling or redness over the affected area
  • Fever or chills indicating possible infection

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Patient history including onset and duration of symptoms
  • Description of abscess location and size
  • Results of imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan)

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Usage guidelines: Use specific codes based on the side and type of abscess.
  • Common errors: Misclassifying the abscess type or failing to document associated symptoms.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Excluded conditions: Spinal infections, osteomyelitis, or other non-abscess related back conditions.
  • Alternative codes: Consider codes for other skin infections if applicable.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
L02.219
Cutaneous abscess of back, unspecified
L02.211
Cutaneous abscess of back, right side
L02.212
Cutaneous abscess of back, left side
Ancillary Codes
B95.61
Differential Codes
L02.3
L02.3
for abscesses located on or near the buttock region.

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Emergency Medicine

Specialty Applications

  • Patient populations: Adults and children presenting with back pain and signs of infection.
  • Clinical settings: Emergency departments, urgent care facilities.

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

Documentation requirements?

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

Billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding based on the specific location and type of abscess to avoid claim denials.