Is ICD-10-CM code L02.237 billable?

Yes, L02.237 (Carbuncle of flank) is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code, valid for reimbursement on HIPAA-covered transactions for FY2027.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code L02.237 belong to?

L02.237 belongs to Chapter 12 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: L00–L99 (Diseases of the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue).

Is L02.237 a new ICD-10-CM code for 2027?

Yes, L02.237 was added or revised in the FY2027 ICD-10-CM update, effective October 1, 2026, as published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

L02.237Billable, valid for claims from October 1, 2026New for FY2027

Carbuncle of flank

Under L02.23 Carbuncle of trunk, in Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L08), chapter 12: Diseases of the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue

L02.237 is billable and valid on claims for FY 2027. If the record has more detail, check the other codes under L02.23 below.
As a secondary diagnosis it is not a CC or MCC, so it doesn't raise the MS-DRG payment.

Also indexed as: Carbuncle, flank

Instructional notes

Also applies, from L02.2: Cutaneous abscess, furuncle and carbuncle of trunk

These notes sit on L02.2 and apply to every code under it, including L02.237.

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

non-newborn omphalitis (L08.82)
omphalitis of newborn (P38.-)

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

abscess of breast (N61.1)
abscess of buttocks (L02.31)
abscess of female external genital organs (N76.4)
abscess of male external genital organs (N48.2, N49.-)
abscess of hip (L02.4)

Also applies, from L02: Cutaneous abscess, furuncle and carbuncle

These notes sit on L02 and apply to every code under it, including L02.237.

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

abscess of anus and rectal regions (K61.-)
abscess of female genital organs (external) (N76.4)
abscess of male genital organs (external) (N48.2, N49.-)

Use additional code: add a second code for this, listed after this one

code to identify organism (B95-B96)

Also applies, from Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L08)

These notes sit on L00-L08 and apply to every code under it, including L02.237.

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

hordeolum (H00.0)
infective dermatitis (L30.3)
local infections of skin classified in Chapter 1
lupus panniculitis (L93.2)
panniculitis NOS (M79.3)
panniculitis of neck and back (M54.0-)
Perlèche NOS (K13.0)
Perlèche due to candidiasis (B37.0)
Perlèche due to riboflavin deficiency (E53.0)
pyogenic granuloma (L98.0)
relapsing panniculitis [Weber-Christian] (M35.6)
viral warts (B07.-)
zoster (B02.-)

Use additional code: add a second code for this, listed after this one

code (B95-B97) to identify infectious agent.

Other codes under L02.23

Carbuncle of trunk

MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, this code groups to these MS-DRGs (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Abscess

An abscess is a pocket of pus. You can get an abscess almost anywhere in your body. When an area of your body becomes infected, your body's immune system tries to fight the infection. White blood cells go to the infected area, collect within the damaged tissue, and cause inflammation. During this process, pus forms. Pus is a mixture of living and dead white blood cells, germs, and dead tissue.

Code history

Added in FY2027 (effective October 1, 2026). Before that, these cases were coded as L02.232 (Carbuncle of back [any part, except buttock and flank]). No changes since.