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ICD-10 Coding for Right Foot Abscess(L02.611)

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

Also known as:

Abscess of right footRight foot cutaneous abscess

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right Foot Abscess

L02.6-L02.9Primary Range

Cutaneous abscess, furuncle and carbuncle

This range includes codes for abscesses located on the foot, with specific codes for laterality.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with other specified complications

Relevant when diabetes contributes to the development of the abscess.

Other osteomyelitis

Used when there is bone involvement in the abscess.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for right foot abscess

Essential facts and insights about Right Foot Abscess

The ICD-10 code for a right foot abscess is L02.611, used for confirmed cutaneous abscesses with documented laterality.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for right foot abscess

Cutaneous abscess of right foot
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of a fluctuant mass with purulent drainage on the right foot.

documentation Criteria

  • Document laterality and size of the abscess.

Applicable To

  • Right foot abscess

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented fluctuant mass on right foot
  • Presence of purulent drainage
  • No bone exposure on probe testing

Code-Specific Risks

  • Failure to document laterality can lead to incorrect coding.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented to avoid defaulting to unspecified codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with other skin complications

E11.628
Use when diabetes is a contributing factor to the abscess.

Staphylococcus aureus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B95.6
Use to identify the organism causing the infection.

Differential Codes

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

Cutaneous abscess of unspecified foot

L02.619
Use when laterality is not documented.

Other osteomyelitis, right ankle and foot

M86.671
Use when imaging confirms bone involvement.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Foot Abscess to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L02.611.

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete patient history., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Review patient's medical history for diabetes., Include diabetes status in the assessment.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate medical records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document whether the abscess is on the right or left foot.

Impact

Failure to sequence diabetes first when it contributes to the abscess.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement a checklist for sequencing rules in diabetic patients.

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 Right Foot Abscess, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Right Foot Abscess

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

Right foot abscess in a diabetic patient

Specialty: Podiatry

Required Elements

  • Location and size of abscess
  • Type and amount of drainage
  • Diabetes status and management

Example Documentation

3 cm abscess on dorsal right foot with 10ml purulent drainage. Patient has type 2 diabetes, A1c 8.5%.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Abscess drained.
Good Documentation Example
Incision & drainage of 3.5cm fluctuant abscess at medial plantar right foot. 15ml purulent drainage with Gram stain showing Gram+ cocci. Probe-to-bone negative.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the procedure, drainage, and lab results, ensuring comprehensive documentation.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Right Foot Abscess? Ask your questions below.

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