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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL02.6

L02.6

Non-billable

Cutaneous abscess, furuncle and carbuncle of foot

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.6 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of cutaneous abscess, furuncle and carbuncle of foot.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L02.6 refers to cutaneous abscesses, furuncles, and carbuncles located specifically on the foot. These conditions are characterized by localized collections of pus within the skin and subcutaneous tissue, often resulting from bacterial infections, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus. Clinically, patients may present with 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 epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue of the foot, which can be compromised by factors such as diabetes, poor circulation, or skin trauma. Disease progression can lead to the formation of a painful lump that may eventually rupture, draining pus and relieving pressure. Diagnostic considerations include physical examination, patient history, and, if necessary, imaging studies or cultures to identify the causative organism. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications such as cellulitis or systemic infection.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity
  • Treatment complexity
  • Documentation requirements
  • Coding specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors
  • Documentation gaps
  • Billing challenges

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

Podiatry

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 L02.6 lies in its potential to cause discomfort and complications if left untreated, impacting patient mobility and quality of life. In terms of population health, conditions like these are prevalent in individuals with comorbidities such as diabetes, highlighting the need for effective management strategies. Understanding the epidemiology of skin infections can help healthcare providers implement preventive measures and improve patient outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of L02.6 lies in its potential to cause discomfort and complications if left untreated, impacting patient mobility and quality of life. In terms of population health, conditions like these are prevalent in individuals with comorbidities such as diabetes, highlighting the need for effective management strategies. Understanding the epidemiology of skin infections can help healthcare providers implement preventive measures and improve patient outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations may vary based on the complexity of the treatment provided, such as whether incision and drainage were necessary. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or coding errors, so it is crucial to adhere to coding best practices and ensure that the diagnosis aligns with the services billed.

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 L02.6?

L02.6 encompasses cutaneous abscesses, furuncles, and carbuncles specifically located on the foot. These conditions are typically characterized by localized infections that lead to pus formation and may require incision and drainage as part of treatment.

When should L02.6 be used instead of related codes?

L02.6 should be used when the abscess, furuncle, or carbuncle is specifically located on the foot. If the lesion is located elsewhere on the body, other codes such as L02.0 or L02.1 should be considered based on the anatomical site.

What documentation supports L02.6?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical examination note describing the size, location, and characteristics of the lesion, as well as any associated symptoms. Laboratory results, such as cultures or imaging studies, may also support the diagnosis.