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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL02.222

L02.222

Billable

Furuncle of back [any part, except buttock]

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.222 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of furuncle of back [any part, except buttock].

Key Diagnostic Point:

L02.222 refers to a furuncle, commonly known as a boil, located on the back, excluding the buttock area. Furuncles are painful, pus-filled bumps that arise from infected hair follicles, typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Clinically, these lesions present as red, swollen nodules that may eventually rupture and drain pus. The back, being a common site for furuncles due to friction and sweat, can experience multiple lesions, leading to discomfort and potential complications such as cellulitis. The disease progression often begins with localized pain and inflammation, followed by the formation of a central necrotic area. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough physical examination and, if necessary, culture of the pus to identify the causative organism. Treatment typically involves incision and drainage of the furuncle, along with antibiotics if systemic infection is suspected. Proper hygiene and management of underlying conditions, such as diabetes, are crucial in preventing recurrence.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires clinical evaluation and possible culture.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve surgical intervention and antibiotic therapy.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and treatment plans are necessary.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise localization and differentiation from other skin conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentification of the lesion type or location.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records of treatment or follow-up.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if the 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: 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 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 can significantly impact patient quality of life due to pain and discomfort, leading to increased healthcare utilization. Understanding the epidemiology of furuncles, which are more prevalent in individuals with compromised immune systems or poor hygiene, can inform public health strategies. Effective management and prevention of furuncles can reduce the burden on healthcare resources and improve overall population health.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Furuncles can significantly impact patient quality of life due to pain and discomfort, leading to increased healthcare utilization. Understanding the epidemiology of furuncles, which are more prevalent in individuals with compromised immune systems or poor hygiene, can inform public health strategies. Effective management and prevention of furuncles can reduce the burden on healthcare resources and improve overall population health.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the need for detailed notes on the procedure performed, especially if incision and drainage are involved. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity. Coders should ensure that all relevant CPT codes for procedures performed are included in the claim to avoid delays in payment.

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 L02.222?

L02.222 specifically covers furuncles located on the back, which are characterized by painful, inflamed nodules resulting from bacterial infection of hair follicles. It does not cover other skin infections or lesions.

When should L02.222 be used instead of related codes?

L02.222 should be used when the furuncle is specifically located on the back and is distinct from other codes that may refer to furuncles in different locations or other types of skin infections.

What documentation supports L02.222?

Documentation should include a detailed description of the lesion's location, size, and characteristics, along with treatment notes such as incision and drainage procedures, and any cultures taken for microbiological analysis.