ICD-10 Coding for Gluteal Abscess(L02.31, L02.32, L02.33)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Gluteal Abscess. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Gluteal Abscess
L02.31-L02.33Primary Range
Cutaneous abscess, furuncle, and carbuncle of buttock
This range covers the primary codes for gluteal abscesses, including simple cutaneous abscesses, furuncles, and carbuncles.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| L02.31 | Cutaneous abscess of buttock | Use for simple abscesses confined to the skin or subcutaneous tissue of the buttock. |
|
| L02.32 | Furuncle of buttock | Use for boils originating from hair follicle infections. |
|
| L02.33 | Carbuncle of buttock | Use for multiple interconnected boils with deeper tissue involvement. |
|
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 gluteal abscess
Essential facts and insights about Gluteal Abscess
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for gluteal abscess
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of a fluctuant mass in the buttock region
documentation Criteria
- Document laterality and depth of the abscess
Applicable To
- Simple cutaneous abscess confined to skin/subcutaneous tissue
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Physical examination showing fluctuant mass
- Ultrasound or MRI confirming subcutaneous fluid collection
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding as perianal abscess
- Missing documentation of laterality
Coding Notes
- Ensure laterality is documented to avoid defaulting to unspecified code.
L02.32 - Furuncle of buttock
Use for boils originating from hair follicle infections.
Applicable To
- Boils from hair follicle infections
Excludes
- Carbuncle of buttock (L02.33)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Physical examination showing a boil with central necrosis
- Culture confirming bacterial infection
Coding Notes
Ensure differentiation from carbuncles and simple abscesses.
L02.33 - Carbuncle of buttock
Use for multiple interconnected boils with deeper tissue involvement.
Applicable To
- Interconnected furuncles with deeper involvement
Excludes
- Furuncle of buttock (L02.32)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Physical examination showing multiple interconnected boils
- Imaging confirming deeper tissue involvement
Coding Notes
Ensure differentiation from furuncles and simple abscesses.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Staphylococcus aureus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
B95.6Type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications
E11.9Long-term (current) use of insulin
Z79.4Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Anal abscess
K61.0Pilonidal cyst with abscess
L05.01Carbuncle of buttock
L02.33Furuncle of buttock
L02.32Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Gluteal Abscess to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L02.31.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to potential misdiagnosis or treatment errors., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: May result in denied claims or reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify right or left in documentation., Use templates to ensure completeness.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect location coding can lead to reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of healthcare data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure precise documentation of the abscess location and laterality.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can affect DRG assignment., Compliance: Violation of coding rules regarding causation., Data Quality: Leads to inaccurate clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Do not link diabetes to the abscess unless explicitly stated by the provider.
Impact
Coding abscesses without specifying laterality increases audit risk.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement mandatory fields for laterality in EHR systems.
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 Gluteal Abscess, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Gluteal Abscess
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Gluteal Abscess. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Emergency Department Note for Gluteal Abscess
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- Location and laterality
- Size and depth
- Purulence and systemic signs
- Imaging and culture results
- Diabetes status and procedure details
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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