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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL02.522

L02.522

Billable

Furuncle left hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.522 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of furuncle left hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L02.522 refers to a furuncle (boil) located on the left hand, which is a painful, pus-filled bump that forms under the skin due to bacterial infection, typically Staphylococcus aureus. Clinically, furuncles present as red, swollen nodules that may eventually rupture and drain pus. The anatomy involved includes the hair follicles and surrounding skin and subcutaneous tissue. Disease progression can vary; if untreated, furuncles may lead to complications such as cellulitis or abscess formation. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination, patient history, and, if necessary, culture of the pus to identify the causative organism. Differential diagnoses may include carbuncles, folliculitis, or other skin infections. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective 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 possible laboratory tests.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve surgical intervention and antibiotic therapy.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and treatment plans are necessary.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other skin infections.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentifying the site or type of infection.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding the nature and treatment of the furuncle.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if documentation does not support the diagnosis or treatment provided.

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 potential complications. They are common in populations with poor hygiene or underlying health conditions. Understanding the epidemiology of skin infections like furuncles can help healthcare providers implement preventive measures and improve patient outcomes. Monitoring quality measures related to skin infections can also enhance healthcare utilization patterns.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Furuncles 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. Understanding the epidemiology of skin infections like furuncles can help healthcare providers implement preventive measures and improve patient outcomes. Monitoring quality measures related to skin infections can also enhance healthcare utilization patterns.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of the procedure performed, such as incision and drainage, which may be billed separately using CPT codes 10060 or 10061. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or incorrect coding of the site. Best practices include maintaining thorough clinical notes and ensuring that all services provided are clearly documented and justified.

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 L02.522?

L02.522 specifically covers furuncles located on the left hand. It is important to differentiate this from other skin infections such as folliculitis or carbuncles, which may require different management.

When should L02.522 be used instead of related codes?

L02.522 should be used when the furuncle is specifically located on the left hand. If the furuncle is on the right hand, L02.521 should be used. For unspecified locations, L02.529 is appropriate.

What documentation supports L02.522?

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