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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL02.52

L02.52

Non-billable

Furuncle hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.52 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of furuncle hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L02.52 refers to a furuncle, commonly known as a boil, located on the hand. This condition is characterized by a painful, pus-filled bump that arises from the hair follicle due to bacterial infection, most often caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Clinically, patients may present with localized redness, swelling, and tenderness around the affected area, often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever if the infection is severe. The anatomy involved primarily includes the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the hand, where hair follicles are present. Disease progression can lead to the formation of an abscess if not properly managed, necessitating drainage and antibiotic therapy. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination and, in some cases, culture of the pus to identify the causative organism. It is essential to differentiate furuncles from other skin lesions such as carbuncles or cellulitis, which may require different management approaches.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Moderate, as it requires differentiation from other skin infections.
  • Treatment complexity: Moderate, as it may involve drainage and antibiotics.
  • Documentation requirements: Moderate, necessitating detailed clinical notes.
  • Coding specificity: High, as it is specific to the location and type of skin infection.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentifying the lesion type or location.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding the treatment plan.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if the documentation does not support the diagnosis.

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

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Furuncles, including those on the hand, can significantly impact patient quality of life due to pain and potential complications. They are common in populations with higher rates of skin infections, such as those with diabetes or immunocompromised states. Understanding the epidemiology of furuncles can help healthcare providers implement preventive measures and improve patient outcomes through better management of skin infections.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Furuncles, including those on the hand, can significantly impact patient quality of life due to pain and potential complications. They are common in populations with higher rates of skin infections, such as those with diabetes or immunocompromised states. Understanding the epidemiology of furuncles can help healthcare providers implement preventive measures and improve patient outcomes through better management of skin infections.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the diagnosis is clearly linked to the procedures billed. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or lack of medical necessity. Coders should ensure that all relevant details are captured in the medical record to support the claims submitted.

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 L02.52?

L02.52 specifically covers furuncles located on the hand. It does not include other types of skin infections or lesions, such as cellulitis or abscesses in different locations.

When should L02.52 be used instead of related codes?

L02.52 should be used when the diagnosis is specifically a furuncle on the hand. If the lesion is located elsewhere or is a different type of infection, other codes should be considered.

What documentation supports L02.52?

Documentation should include a detailed description of the lesion, its location, size, symptoms, treatment provided, and any laboratory results if cultures were taken.