ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesChapter 12: Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissueL02

L02

Non-billable

Cutaneous abscess, furuncle and carbuncle

Chapter 12:Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

BILLABLE STATUSNo
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

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

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 Level 1 Category code L02 encompasses cutaneous abscesses, furuncles, and carbuncles, which are localized collections of pus within the skin or subcutaneous tissue. These conditions are typically caused by bacterial infections, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus, and can manifest as painful, swollen areas on the skin that may be red and warm to the touch. The clinical significance of accurately coding these conditions lies in their potential to lead to systemic infections if left untreated, necessitating prompt medical intervention. Treatment often includes incision and drainage of the abscess, along with antibiotic therapy when indicated.

  • In clinical practice, the use of L02 codes is essential for proper documentation and billing purposes. Physicians should be aware of the specific characteristics of each condition within this category, as they may require different management approaches. Accurate coding not only facilitates appropriate reimbursement but also contributes to quality measures and population health tracking, as these conditions can reflect broader public health issues related to skin infections and antibiotic resistance.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of conditions covered
  • Need for accurate diagnosis
  • Potential for complications

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inaccurate coding leading to denials
  • Insufficient documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to differentiate between similar conditions

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

Primary Care

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 CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

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 impact of the L02 category is significant, as timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous abscesses, furuncles, and carbuncles can prevent complications such as systemic infections. These conditions are often indicators of underlying health issues, such as diabetes or immunocompromised states, which can have broader implications for patient management and public health. Furthermore, tracking the incidence of these infections can provide insights into trends related to antibiotic resistance and the effectiveness of public health interventions.
Administratively, accurate coding of L02 conditions contributes to quality measures that healthcare organizations use to assess performance and improve care delivery. Understanding the prevalence and treatment outcomes of these conditions can inform healthcare policies and resource allocation, ultimately enhancing population health initiatives and improving patient outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical impact of the L02 category is significant, as timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous abscesses, furuncles, and carbuncles can prevent complications such as systemic infections. These conditions are often indicators of underlying health issues, such as diabetes or immunocompromised states, which can have broader implications for patient management and public health. Furthermore, tracking the incidence of these infections can provide insights into trends related to antibiotic resistance and the effectiveness of public health interventions. Administratively, accurate coding of L02 conditions contributes to quality measures that healthcare organizations use to assess performance and improve care delivery. Understanding the prevalence and treatment outcomes of these conditions can inform healthcare policies and resource allocation, ultimately enhancing population health initiatives and improving patient outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement may vary based on the complexity of the procedure and the patient's insurance plan, so it is crucial to verify coverage policies beforehand. Additionally, accurate coding can help avoid claim denials and ensure timely payment.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Official ICD-10 Guidelines for L02

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Official ICD-10 Guidelines for L02

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions are included in L02?

L02 includes cutaneous abscesses, furuncles (boils), and carbuncles, which are all types of skin infections characterized by localized pus formation.

When should I use L02 codes?

L02 codes should be used when documenting cases of cutaneous abscesses, furuncles, or carbuncles, particularly when these conditions are the primary reason for the patient's visit or treatment.

What documentation is required for L02?

Documentation should include the location and size of the abscess or lesion, any associated symptoms, treatment provided, and the clinical rationale for the diagnosis.