ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL02.423

L02.423

Billable

Furuncle of right upper limb

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.423 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of furuncle of right upper limb.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L02.423 refers to a furuncle (boil) located on the right upper limb, which is a painful, pus-filled bump that forms under the skin due to a bacterial infection, commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Clinically, patients may present with localized swelling, redness, warmth, and tenderness in the affected area, often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever or malaise in more severe cases. The anatomy involved includes the skin and subcutaneous tissue, particularly the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Disease progression typically involves the formation of a painful nodule that can rupture and drain spontaneously or may require incision and drainage. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough physical examination and, if necessary, culture of the drainage to identify the causative organism. Differential diagnoses may include carbuncles, abscesses, or other skin infections, making accurate coding essential for appropriate treatment and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Moderate, as it requires clinical evaluation and possible laboratory tests.
  • Treatment complexity: Moderate, as treatment may involve antibiotics and/or surgical intervention.
  • Documentation requirements: Requires detailed documentation of symptoms, treatment, and follow-up.
  • Coding specificity: Specific to the location and type of infection, necessitating precise coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentifying the type of skin infection or incorrect anatomical location.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records regarding the extent of the infection or treatment provided.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if documentation does not support the severity or necessity of treatment.

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: 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

Furuncles can significantly impact patient quality of life due to pain and discomfort, leading to increased healthcare utilization. They are more prevalent in populations with compromised immune systems or poor hygiene practices. Understanding the epidemiology of furuncles can help healthcare providers implement preventive measures and improve patient education, ultimately reducing the incidence of these infections.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Furuncles can significantly impact patient quality of life due to pain and discomfort, leading to increased healthcare utilization. They are more prevalent in populations with compromised immune systems or poor hygiene practices. Understanding the epidemiology of furuncles can help healthcare providers implement preventive measures and improve patient education, ultimately reducing the incidence of these infections.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations may vary based on the complexity of the case and whether surgical intervention is required. Common denials may occur if the documentation does not clearly support the diagnosis or if the treatment provided is not adequately justified. Best practices include ensuring that all relevant clinical information is captured in the medical record and that coding aligns with the documented 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 L02.423?

L02.423 specifically covers furuncles located on the right upper limb. It does not include other types of skin infections such as cellulitis or abscesses unless specified.

When should L02.423 be used instead of related codes?

L02.423 should be used when the clinical presentation specifically indicates a furuncle on the right upper limb, differentiating it from other skin infections or furuncles located elsewhere.

What documentation supports L02.423?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical assessment of the lesion, treatment provided, and any laboratory results if cultures were taken. Notes should clearly indicate the location and nature of the infection.