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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL02.239

L02.239

Billable

Carbuncle of trunk, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.239 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of carbuncle of trunk, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L02.239 refers to a carbuncle of the trunk, which is a painful cluster of boils that form a connected area of infection beneath the skin. Carbuncles are typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and often occur in areas where skin rubs together, such as the neck, back, and thighs. Clinically, patients present with a red, swollen area that may be tender to touch, accompanied by fever and malaise in some cases. The underlying anatomy involved includes the skin and subcutaneous tissue, where the infection leads to the formation of pus-filled nodules. Disease progression can vary; if untreated, carbuncles may lead to systemic infection or abscess formation. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough physical examination and, if necessary, culture of the pus to identify the causative organism. It is crucial to differentiate carbuncles from other skin infections such as furuncles (boils) and cellulitis, which may require different management approaches.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires differentiation from other skin infections.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve antibiotics and surgical drainage.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes are necessary to support diagnosis.
  • Coding specificity: Requires accurate identification of the site and type of infection.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentifying the site or type of infection.
  • Documentation gaps: Insufficient clinical details to support the diagnosis.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to lack of specificity or supporting documentation.

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

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

Carbuncles can significantly impact patient quality of life due to pain and potential complications. They are common in populations with poor hygiene or underlying health conditions, such as diabetes. Understanding the epidemiology of carbuncles can help healthcare providers implement preventive measures and improve patient outcomes. Monitoring incidence rates can also inform public health strategies aimed at reducing skin infections.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Carbuncles can significantly impact patient quality of life due to pain and potential complications. They are common in populations with poor hygiene or underlying health conditions, such as diabetes. Understanding the epidemiology of carbuncles can help healthcare providers implement preventive measures and improve patient outcomes. Monitoring incidence rates can also inform public health strategies aimed at reducing skin infections.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the need for accurate coding to reflect the severity of the condition and any procedures performed, such as incision and drainage. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or incorrect coding. Best practices include thorough clinical notes, clear descriptions of the lesion, and ensuring that the procedure codes align with the diagnosis.

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 L02.239?

L02.239 covers carbuncles located on the trunk that are not specified further. It includes infections that present as painful, swollen areas with pus formation, typically due to bacterial infection.

When should L02.239 be used instead of related codes?

L02.239 should be used when a carbuncle is present on the trunk and no further specification is available. If the carbuncle is located on another body part, a different code should be selected.

What documentation supports L02.239?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical examination, description of the lesion, any laboratory results (such as cultures), and treatment plans. Notes should clearly indicate the diagnosis of a carbuncle.