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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL02.412

L02.412

Billable

Cutaneous abscess of left axilla

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.412 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cutaneous abscess of left axilla.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L02.412 refers to a cutaneous abscess located in the left axilla, which is a localized collection of pus within the skin or subcutaneous tissue. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as swelling, redness, warmth, and tenderness in the affected area, often accompanied by systemic signs of infection like fever and malaise. The axilla, or armpit, is a region rich in sweat glands and lymphatic tissue, making it susceptible to infections. The disease progression typically begins with the formation of a painful nodule that may evolve into a fluctuant mass as pus accumulates. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination, and in some cases, imaging studies may be warranted to assess the extent of the abscess. Culturing the pus can help identify the causative organism, guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy. Early intervention is crucial to prevent complications such as cellulitis or systemic infection.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Moderate, as differential diagnoses may include other skin infections.
  • Treatment complexity: Moderate, requiring potential incision and drainage and antibiotic therapy.
  • Documentation requirements: Moderate, necessitating detailed clinical notes and possibly imaging reports.
  • Coding specificity: High, as L02.412 specifically identifies the location and nature of the abscess.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentifying the location or type of abscess.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding the abscess characteristics.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if the medical necessity for drainage is not well-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: 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 L02.412 lies in its potential to lead to serious complications if left untreated, including systemic infection. Population health impact is notable as skin infections are common, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Quality measures may include tracking the incidence of abscesses and the effectiveness of treatment protocols. Healthcare utilization patterns often show increased visits to urgent care or emergency departments for skin infections, highlighting the need for effective management strategies.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of L02.412 lies in its potential to lead to serious complications if left untreated, including systemic infection. Population health impact is notable as skin infections are common, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Quality measures may include tracking the incidence of abscesses and the effectiveness of treatment protocols. Healthcare utilization patterns often show increased visits to urgent care or emergency departments for skin infections, highlighting the need for effective management strategies.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of the procedure and any associated costs for laboratory tests if cultures are taken. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or lack of clarity regarding the treatment provided. Best practices include thorough clinical notes, clear coding of the procedure, and ensuring that all services rendered are justified in the patient's 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 L02.412?

L02.412 specifically covers cutaneous abscesses in the left axilla, which may arise from bacterial infections, blocked sweat glands, or trauma. It does not cover abscesses in other locations or other types of skin infections.

When should L02.412 be used instead of related codes?

L02.412 should be used when the abscess is specifically located in the left axilla. If the abscess is in another location, such as the right axilla or another body part, the corresponding code should be selected.

What documentation supports L02.412?

Documentation should include a detailed description of the abscess, including its size, appearance, symptoms, and any treatments performed. Clinical notes should also indicate the patient's history and any relevant imaging studies.