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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL05.02

L05.02

Billable

Pilonidal sinus with abscess

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L05.02 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of pilonidal sinus with abscess.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Pilonidal sinus with abscess is a condition characterized by the formation of a cavity or sinus in the skin, typically located in the sacrococcygeal region, which becomes infected and filled with pus, leading to an abscess. Clinically, patients may present with pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area, often accompanied by fever and malaise. The anatomy involved primarily includes the skin and subcutaneous tissue around the coccyx, where hair follicles can become obstructed, leading to the development of a pilonidal sinus. Disease progression can vary; if left untreated, the abscess may rupture, leading to further complications such as chronic infection or recurrence. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough physical examination, imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI in complicated cases, and a review of the patient's history, particularly regarding previous episodes or surgical interventions. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to differentiate pilonidal disease from other conditions such as hidradenitis suppurativa or abscesses due to other etiologies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires clinical evaluation and sometimes imaging.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve surgical intervention, drainage, and follow-up care.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and operative reports are necessary.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other skin conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of pilonidal disease severity.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records of symptoms or treatment history.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials for insufficient documentation or incorrect procedure codes.

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: General Surgery

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

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Pilonidal sinus disease, particularly with abscess formation, has significant clinical implications, including pain, discomfort, and potential for recurrent infections. It affects a substantial portion of the population, particularly young adults, leading to increased healthcare utilization due to surgical interventions and follow-up care. Understanding this condition is essential for improving quality measures and patient outcomes, as timely and appropriate treatment can reduce complications and enhance recovery.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Pilonidal sinus disease, particularly with abscess formation, has significant clinical implications, including pain, discomfort, and potential for recurrent infections. It affects a substantial portion of the population, particularly young adults, leading to increased healthcare utilization due to surgical interventions and follow-up care. Understanding this condition is essential for improving quality measures and patient outcomes, as timely and appropriate treatment can reduce complications and enhance recovery.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of the procedure, the setting in which care is provided (inpatient vs. outpatient), and adherence to payer-specific guidelines. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or incorrect coding of the procedure performed. Coders should ensure that all relevant details are captured in the medical record to support the billed services and avoid potential audits.

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 L05.02?

L05.02 specifically covers pilonidal sinus with abscess, which is characterized by an infected cavity in the skin, typically in the sacrococcygeal area, leading to pus accumulation and inflammation.

When should L05.02 be used instead of related codes?

L05.02 should be used when there is a confirmed diagnosis of pilonidal sinus that has developed into an abscess. It is important to differentiate this from L05.01, which does not involve an abscess.

What documentation supports L05.02?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical examination, imaging results if applicable, treatment plans, and any surgical notes if drainage or excision was performed.