Skin Abscess, Furuncle and Carbuncle ICD-10-CM codes

Category L02 separates three lesion types at the 5th character: cutaneous abscess (x1), furuncle (x2), and carbuncle (x3). The 4th character is the body region and, for the trunk, limb, hand and foot, a 6th character specifies the exact site or side. A boil on the right lower leg is L02.415; an abscess of the abdominal wall is L02.211; an abscess of the buttock is L02.31. L02.91 (cutaneous abscess, unspecified) is the fallback only when no site is documented.

As with cellulitis, add a B95 to B97 code for the organism when it is known, most often B95.61 (MSSA) or B95.62 (MRSA). If the record documents both abscess and surrounding cellulitis at the same site, report the L02 code and the L03 code together. Perirectal and perianal abscesses are digestive-system codes (K61.-), not L02, and abscesses of the breast, vulva, prostate and other organs are classified to the organ chapter.

A pilonidal cyst or sinus with abscess is L05.01 or L05.02; without abscess it is L05.91 or L05.92. Hidradenitis suppurativa, which produces recurrent axillary and inguinal abscesses, is L73.2 and should not be coded to L02 when the provider documents hidradenitis as the diagnosis.