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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL02.229

L02.229

Billable

Furuncle of trunk, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.229 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of furuncle of trunk, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L02.229 refers to a furuncle (boil) located on the trunk, which is an acute, painful, pus-filled bump that forms under the skin due to bacterial infection, most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Clinically, furuncles present as red, swollen nodules that may rupture and drain pus. The trunk, which includes the chest, abdomen, and back, is a common site for these lesions due to friction, moisture, and occlusion. Disease progression typically begins with a small, tender bump that can grow larger and become increasingly painful. If untreated, furuncles may lead to complications such as abscess formation or systemic infection. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination and, if necessary, culture of the pus to identify the causative organism. Differential diagnoses may include other skin infections such as carbuncles, cellulitis, or folliculitis. Accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment, which may involve incision and drainage, antibiotics, or both, depending on the severity and extent of the infection.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires clinical evaluation and sometimes laboratory testing.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve surgical intervention and antibiotic therapy.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and treatment plans are necessary.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise identification of the location and type of lesion.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentifying the lesion type or location.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding the size, drainage, or treatment of the furuncle.
  • Billing challenges: Incorrect coding may lead to denials or delays in reimbursement.

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 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. They may lead to increased healthcare utilization, including outpatient visits and potential hospitalizations if complications arise. Understanding the epidemiology of furuncles, particularly in populations with higher risk factors such as diabetes or immunocompromised states, is crucial for effective public health strategies and quality measures aimed at reducing skin infections.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Furuncles can significantly impact patient quality of life due to pain and discomfort. They may lead to increased healthcare utilization, including outpatient visits and potential hospitalizations if complications arise. Understanding the epidemiology of furuncles, particularly in populations with higher risk factors such as diabetes or immunocompromised states, is crucial for effective public health strategies and quality measures aimed at reducing skin infections.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the necessity of procedures such as incision and drainage, which may be billed separately using CPT codes. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or incorrect coding of the lesion type. Best practices include ensuring that all clinical notes are complete and that the coding accurately reflects the diagnosis and treatment provided.

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 L02.229?

L02.229 specifically covers furuncles located on the trunk. It does not include other skin infections or lesions, such as carbuncles or abscesses, which have their own specific codes.

When should L02.229 be used instead of related codes?

L02.229 should be used when a furuncle is specifically diagnosed on the trunk and when no other more specific furuncle codes apply. It is important to differentiate it from other skin infections based on clinical presentation.

What documentation supports L02.229?

Documentation should include a detailed description of the lesion, its location, size, symptoms, treatment provided, and any laboratory results if cultures were taken. This ensures accurate coding and supports medical necessity.