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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL02.02

L02.02

Billable

Furuncle of face

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.02 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of furuncle of face.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Furuncle of the face, commonly known as a boil, is a painful, pus-filled bump that forms under the skin due to the infection of hair follicles, primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Clinically, it presents as a red, swollen area that may be tender to the touch, often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever in more severe cases. The face, being a highly vascularized area, can lead to rapid progression and complications if not treated promptly. The anatomy involved includes the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue, where the infection typically arises from hair follicles. Disease progression can lead to the formation of an abscess if the furuncle is not drained or treated, potentially resulting in cellulitis or systemic infection. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination and, if necessary, culture of the pus to identify the causative organism, especially in recurrent cases or when systemic symptoms are present.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires clinical evaluation and potential laboratory testing.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve incision and drainage, antibiotics, and follow-up care.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and treatment plans are necessary.
  • Coding specificity: Requires accurate identification of the site and type of infection.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentification of the site or severity of the infection.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding the treatment and follow-up.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if the medical necessity is not clearly documented.

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

Furuncles, particularly on the face, can significantly impact a patient's quality of life due to pain, potential scarring, and psychosocial effects. Understanding the epidemiology of skin infections, including furuncles, is essential for public health initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence of bacterial skin infections. Quality measures may include tracking the rate of complications and recurrence, which can inform healthcare utilization patterns and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Furuncles, particularly on the face, can significantly impact a patient's quality of life due to pain, potential scarring, and psychosocial effects. Understanding the epidemiology of skin infections, including furuncles, is essential for public health initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence of bacterial skin infections. Quality measures may include tracking the rate of complications and recurrence, which can inform healthcare utilization patterns and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of the procedure performed, such as incision and drainage, and any follow-up care required. Common denials can occur if the documentation does not support the diagnosis or if the procedure is deemed unnecessary. Best practices include maintaining thorough clinical notes, ensuring accurate coding, and following up on claims to address any issues promptly.

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 L02.02?

L02.02 specifically covers furuncles located on the face, which are characterized by localized infections of hair follicles. It does not include carbuncles, which are larger and involve multiple follicles, or other skin infections not localized to hair follicles.

When should L02.02 be used instead of related codes?

L02.02 should be used when the furuncle is specifically located on the face. If the infection is on another body part, such as the neck or scalp, the appropriate code should be selected based on the location.

What documentation supports L02.02?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical assessment of the furuncle, including size, location, symptoms, and any treatment provided. Notes on the patient's history of similar infections and any laboratory results should also be included.