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ICD-10 Coding for Pilonidal Cyst with Abscess(L05.01, L05.02)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Pilonidal Cyst with Abscess. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Coccygeal AbscessParasacral Dimple with Abscess

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Pilonidal Cyst with Abscess

L05.0-L05.9Primary Range

Pilonidal cyst and sinus

This range covers all pilonidal cysts and sinuses, including those with abscesses.

Cutaneous abscess of buttock

Used when the abscess is not confirmed to be of pilonidal origin.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
L05.01Pilonidal cyst with abscessUse when a pilonidal cyst is confirmed with an abscess present.
  • Presence of a fluctuant mass in the natal cleft
  • Purulent drainage observed
  • Imaging confirming abscess
L05.02Pilonidal sinus with abscessUse when a pilonidal sinus is confirmed with an abscess present.
  • Recurrent draining sinus tract with abscess formation

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 pilonidal cyst with abscess

Essential facts and insights about Pilonidal Cyst with Abscess

The ICD-10 code for a pilonidal cyst with abscess is L05.01. For a pilonidal sinus with abscess, use L05.02.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for pilonidal cyst with abscess

Pilonidal cyst with abscess
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of purulent drainage and fluctuant mass in natal cleft

Applicable To

  • Parasacral dimple with abscess

Excludes

  • L02.3 - Cutaneous abscess of buttock

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Presence of a fluctuant mass in the natal cleft
  • Purulent drainage observed
  • Imaging confirming abscess

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as L05.0 without specifying abscess

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'with abscess' to avoid denials.

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

B95.2
Use when culture confirms Staphylococcus aureus.

Differential Codes

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

Anal fistula

K60.3
Location and etiology differ; anal fistula originates from anal glands.

Perianal abscess

K61.0
Perianal abscesses are located in the perianal region, not the natal cleft.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Pilonidal Cyst with Abscess to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L05.01.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis risk, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Training on documentation specificity, Use of templates

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'with abscess' and whether it's a cyst or sinus.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect billing can lead to claim rejections., Compliance: Violates NCCI edits., Data Quality: Misrepresentation of procedures performed.

Mitigation Strategy

Follow NCCI edits: Only bill excision codes if excision is performed.

Impact

Using non-specific codes for pilonidal cysts with abscesses.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate staff on specific coding requirements.

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 Pilonidal Cyst with Abscess, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Pilonidal Cyst with Abscess

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Pilonidal Cyst with Abscess. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Emergency Department Visit

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient history of pain and swelling
  • Physical exam findings
  • Imaging results
  • Procedure details

Example Documentation

Patient presents with 4-day history of worsening midline gluteal pain. Exam: 3cm erythematous, fluctuant pilonidal cyst with purulent drainage. Abscess confirmed via ultrasound. Incision and drainage performed.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Buttock abscess
Good Documentation Example
3cm pilonidal cyst with fluctuance and purulent drainage in the natal cleft
Explanation
Specifies the location and nature of the abscess, confirming pilonidal origin.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Pilonidal Cyst with Abscess? Ask your questions below.

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