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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL02.83

L02.83

Non-billable

Carbuncle of other sites

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L02.83 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of carbuncle of other sites.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L02.83 refers to a carbuncle located on other sites of the body, which is a type of skin infection characterized by a cluster of boils that are interconnected beneath the skin. Clinically, carbuncles present as painful, swollen lumps filled with pus, often accompanied by redness and warmth in the affected area. They typically occur in areas where hair follicles are present and can affect various parts of the body, including the neck, thighs, and buttocks. The disease progression usually begins with the formation of a painful nodule, which can evolve into a larger abscess if not treated. The underlying anatomy involved includes the skin and subcutaneous tissue, particularly the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Diagnostic considerations for L02.83 include a thorough clinical examination, patient history, and, if necessary, laboratory tests to rule out other skin conditions or systemic infections. It is important to differentiate carbuncles from other skin lesions such as furuncles (boils) and abscesses to ensure appropriate treatment and management.

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

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 L02.83 lies in its potential to lead to systemic infections if left untreated, impacting population health. Carbuncles can contribute to increased healthcare utilization due to the need for surgical intervention and follow-up care. Understanding the epidemiology of skin infections, including carbuncles, is crucial for implementing quality measures aimed at reducing incidence and improving patient outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of L02.83 lies in its potential to lead to systemic infections if left untreated, impacting population health. Carbuncles can contribute to increased healthcare utilization due to the need for surgical intervention and follow-up care. Understanding the epidemiology of skin infections, including carbuncles, is crucial for implementing quality measures aimed at reducing incidence and improving patient outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of the procedure performed, such as incision and drainage, and any associated costs for laboratory tests. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or incorrect coding, emphasizing the need for coders to ensure that the clinical notes clearly reflect the diagnosis and treatment plan. Best practices include using precise coding, maintaining thorough documentation, and understanding payer-specific requirements.

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 L02.83?

L02.83 covers carbuncles located on various sites of the body excluding the face and neck. It includes conditions where multiple furuncles coalesce to form a larger abscess, typically requiring surgical intervention or drainage.

When should L02.83 be used instead of related codes?

L02.83 should be used when the carbuncle is located on sites other than the face or neck, ensuring accurate representation of the patient's condition. It is essential to assess the location and clinical presentation to select the appropriate code.

What documentation supports L02.83?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical examination, patient history, and any imaging or laboratory results that confirm the diagnosis of a carbuncle. Notes should specify the location and characteristics of the lesion.