Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Furuncle(L02.92, L02.0)

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

Also known as:

BoilSkin Abscess

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Furuncle

L02Primary Range

Cutaneous abscess, furuncle and carbuncle

This range includes all codes related to furuncles, specifying different anatomical locations.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
L02.92Furuncle, unspecifiedUse when the specific site of the furuncle is not documented.
  • Presence of a painful, pus-filled bump under the skin
  • Culture results confirming bacterial infection
L02.0Furuncle of faceUse when the furuncle is specifically located on the face.
  • Presence of a furuncle on the facial region

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 furuncle

Essential facts and insights about Furuncle

The ICD-10 code for a furuncle is L02.92 for unspecified sites. Use specific codes like L02.0 for facial furuncles.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for furuncle

Furuncle, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Document the exact location and size of the furuncle.

Applicable To

  • Boil
  • Skin abscess

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Presence of a painful, pus-filled bump under the skin
  • Culture results confirming bacterial infection

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-coding if specific site is documented but not coded.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure to document the specific site if available to avoid using unspecified codes.

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 by culture.

Differential Codes

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

Furuncle of face

L02.0
Use when the furuncle is located on the face.

Furuncle of neck

L02.1
Use when the furuncle is located on the neck.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Furuncle to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L02.92.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to incomplete documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always send cultures for suspected bacterial infections., Document culture results in the patient's record.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases the accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use the most specific code available based on documentation.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used when specific site is documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff to always document and code the specific site of furuncles.

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 Furuncle, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Furuncle

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

Post-incision and drainage of furuncle

Specialty: Dermatology

Required Elements

  • Procedure details
  • Findings
  • Specimens sent for culture
  • Follow-up plan

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Furuncle drained. Patient improved.
Good Documentation Example
Incision and drainage of 2.5 cm fluctuant furuncle at left posterior neck. 10 mL purulent drainage, loculations broken. Culture sent. Recurrent furunculosis, left neck. Bactrim DS BID x10 days, warm compresses, follow-up in 1 week.
Explanation
The good example provides detailed procedure information, culture details, and a follow-up plan.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more