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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL02.21

L02.21

Non-billable

Cutaneous abscess of trunk

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.21 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of cutaneous abscess of trunk.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L02.21 refers to a cutaneous abscess of the trunk, which is a localized collection of pus within the dermis or subcutaneous tissue, typically resulting from bacterial infection. Clinically, patients may present with a painful, swollen area on the trunk, often accompanied by redness and warmth. The abscess may fluctuate in size and can be associated with systemic symptoms such as fever or malaise if the infection is severe. The anatomy involved primarily includes the skin layers (epidermis, dermis) and underlying subcutaneous tissue. Disease progression can vary; if untreated, an abscess may lead to further complications such as cellulitis or systemic infection. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination and, if necessary, imaging studies to assess the extent of the abscess. Aspiration or incision and drainage may be performed for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, and laboratory tests may be conducted to identify the causative organism, typically Staphylococcus aureus. Proper identification and management are crucial to prevent recurrence and complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Moderate, as differential diagnoses may include other skin lesions.
  • Treatment complexity: Moderate, requiring potential surgical intervention.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed documentation of clinical findings and treatment.
  • Coding specificity: Specific to cutaneous abscess of the trunk, requiring precise coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification with other skin conditions.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding abscess characteristics.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if documentation does not support the diagnosis.

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: General Surgery

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 L02.21 lies in its potential to lead to serious complications if not treated appropriately. Population health impact includes the prevalence of skin infections, which can vary based on geographic and demographic factors. Quality measures may focus on timely intervention and management of abscesses to reduce complications. Understanding healthcare utilization patterns related to skin infections can help inform public health strategies and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of L02.21 lies in its potential to lead to serious complications if not treated appropriately. Population health impact includes the prevalence of skin infections, which can vary based on geographic and demographic factors. Quality measures may focus on timely intervention and management of abscesses to reduce complications. Understanding healthcare utilization patterns related to skin infections can help inform public health strategies and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of the procedure performed, such as incision and drainage, and the need for follow-up care. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity. Coders should ensure that all clinical notes are complete and that the procedure codes accurately reflect the services rendered. Best practices include maintaining clear communication with healthcare providers to ensure all relevant details are captured in the medical record.

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 L02.21?

L02.21 specifically covers cutaneous abscesses located on the trunk, which may arise from various causes including bacterial infections, foreign bodies, or underlying skin conditions. It is important to differentiate it from other skin lesions such as cysts or cellulitis.

When should L02.21 be used instead of related codes?

L02.21 should be used when the abscess is specifically located on the trunk and is confirmed through clinical evaluation. If the abscess is located elsewhere or is unspecified, other codes should be considered.

What documentation supports L02.21?

Documentation should include a detailed description of the abscess, including size, location, symptoms, and any treatment provided. Clinical notes should also indicate the results of any diagnostic tests performed and the rationale for the chosen treatment.