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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL02.612

L02.612

Billable

Cutaneous abscess of left foot

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.612 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cutaneous abscess of left foot.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L02.612 refers to a cutaneous abscess located on the left foot, which is a localized collection of pus within the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as swelling, redness, warmth, and tenderness in the affected area. The abscess may also exhibit fluctuance, indicating the presence of pus. The anatomy involved includes the skin layers, particularly the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue, where the infection typically arises from hair follicles or sweat glands. Disease progression can lead to systemic symptoms such as fever if the infection spreads. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination and, if necessary, imaging studies 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 cellulitis or other skin infections.
  • Treatment complexity: Moderate, as treatment may involve incision and drainage, along with antibiotic therapy.
  • Documentation requirements: Moderate, requiring detailed clinical notes and possibly imaging results.
  • Coding specificity: High, as this code 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 records regarding the clinical presentation or treatment plan.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if the documentation does not support the diagnosis or if the procedure codes are not aligned with the diagnosis.

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

The clinical significance of L02.612 lies in its potential to lead to more severe infections if not treated promptly. Population health impact includes the need for effective management of skin infections to reduce healthcare utilization and improve patient outcomes. Quality measures may focus on timely intervention and appropriate antibiotic use, while epidemiological considerations highlight the prevalence of skin infections in various demographics, emphasizing the importance of accurate coding for effective public health monitoring.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of L02.612 lies in its potential to lead to more severe infections if not treated promptly. Population health impact includes the need for effective management of skin infections to reduce healthcare utilization and improve patient outcomes. Quality measures may focus on timely intervention and appropriate antibiotic use, while epidemiological considerations highlight the prevalence of skin infections in various demographics, emphasizing the importance of accurate coding for effective public health monitoring.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the need for clear documentation of the clinical presentation, treatment provided, and any follow-up care. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or misalignment between the diagnosis and procedure codes. Best practices include thorough clinical notes, ensuring that all services rendered are documented, and verifying that the coding aligns with payer guidelines to minimize billing challenges.

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 L02.612?

L02.612 specifically covers cutaneous abscesses located on the left foot, which may arise from bacterial infections, often due to Staphylococcus aureus. It does not cover abscesses located elsewhere or other types of skin infections.

When should L02.612 be used instead of related codes?

L02.612 should be used when a patient presents with a cutaneous abscess specifically on the left foot. If the abscess is located on the right foot, L02.611 should be used instead. Accurate coding is essential for proper treatment and billing.

What documentation supports L02.612?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical examination noting the location, size, and characteristics of the abscess, as well as any imaging studies performed and the treatment plan, including incision and drainage if applicable.