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ICD-10 Coding for Boil(L02.02, L02.92)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Boil. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

FuruncleSkin Abscess

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Boil

L02.0-L02.9Primary Range

Cutaneous abscess, furuncle and carbuncle

This range includes codes for furuncles on various body parts and unspecified locations.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
L02.02Furuncle of faceUse when a furuncle is located on the face with specific documentation of size and characteristics.
  • Location specificity (e.g., 'right cheek')
  • Size ≥1 cm with fluctuance or purulence
L02.92Furuncle, unspecifiedUse when the furuncle's location is not specified in the documentation.
  • Use when location cannot be determined from documentation.

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for boil on face

Essential facts and insights about Boil

The ICD-10 code for a boil on the face is L02.02, requiring specific documentation of size and location.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for boil

Furuncle of face
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of a boil on the face with purulent drainage.

Applicable To

  • Boil on face

Excludes

  • Abscess of eyelid (H00.0)
  • Abscess of external ear (H60.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Location specificity (e.g., 'right cheek')
  • Size ≥1 cm with fluctuance or purulence

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use for boils not on the face.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the exact location and characteristics of the furuncle.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B95.62
Use when MRSA is confirmed as the causative organism.

Personal history of diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

Z87.2
Use for recurrent furuncles.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Other specified local infections of skin and subcutaneous tissue

L08.89
Use when infection is not a furuncle but another type of skin infection.

Hidradenitis suppurativa

L73.2
Use when the condition is hidradenitis, not a simple furuncle.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Boil to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L02.02.

Impact

Clinical: May affect treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure culture results are documented in the medical record.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes specific location details.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used without justification.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the use of unspecified codes.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Boil, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Boil

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Boil. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Emergency Department visit for facial boil

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Location
  • Size
  • Characteristics
  • Complications
  • Diagnostic Evidence
  • Procedure

Example Documentation

4 cm indurated furuncle on posterior neck with 2 cm surrounding erythema. I&D performed with 10 mL purulent drainage; wound packed. Culture sent.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Boil on face.
Good Documentation Example
2.5 cm furuncle with central necrosis on left nasal ala, surrounded by 1 cm erythema.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location, size, and characteristics, which are necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Boil? Ask your questions below.

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