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 CodesL02.632

L02.632

Billable

Carbuncle of left foot

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.632 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of carbuncle of left foot.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A carbuncle is a cluster of interconnected furuncles (boils) that form a painful, pus-filled infection in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. The condition typically arises from bacterial infection, most commonly due to Staphylococcus aureus. In the case of L02.632, the carbuncle is specifically located on the left foot, which may involve the skin and underlying tissues. Clinically, patients present with a painful, swollen area that may exhibit redness, warmth, and drainage of pus. The disease progression can vary, with some cases resolving spontaneously while others may require medical intervention. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination and, if necessary, culture of the pus to identify the causative organism. Differential diagnoses may include other skin infections or abscesses. Treatment often involves incision and drainage of the carbuncle, along with antibiotic therapy if systemic symptoms are present or if the infection is extensive. Proper management is crucial to prevent complications such as cellulitis or systemic spread of infection.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires clinical evaluation and potential laboratory testing.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve surgical intervention and antibiotic therapy.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and treatment plans are necessary.
  • Coding specificity: Specific to the location and type of skin infection.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentification of the site or type of infection.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding the extent of the infection.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if the documentation does not support 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

Carbuncles can significantly impact patient quality of life due to pain and discomfort. They may lead to increased healthcare utilization, including outpatient visits and potential hospitalizations if complications arise. Understanding the epidemiology of skin infections, including carbuncles, is crucial for public health initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence of bacterial skin infections and improving overall population health.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Carbuncles can significantly impact patient quality of life due to pain and discomfort. They may lead to increased healthcare utilization, including outpatient visits and potential hospitalizations if complications arise. Understanding the epidemiology of skin infections, including carbuncles, is crucial for public health initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence of bacterial skin infections and improving overall population health.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of the procedure performed, such as incision and drainage, and whether antibiotic therapy was administered. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity. Best practices include maintaining detailed clinical notes, ensuring accurate coding, and verifying payer-specific requirements 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 L02.632?

L02.632 covers carbuncles specifically located on the left foot, which are characterized by multiple interconnected boils and may involve surrounding skin and subcutaneous tissue.

When should L02.632 be used instead of related codes?

L02.632 should be used when the carbuncle is specifically on the left foot, differentiating it from codes for carbuncles on other locations or for single furuncles.

What documentation supports L02.632?

Documentation should include clinical findings such as the size, location, and characteristics of the carbuncle, as well as any treatment provided and the patient's response.