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ICD-10 Coding for Groin Abscess(L02.214)

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

Also known as:

Inguinal AbscessCutaneous Abscess of Groin

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Groin Abscess

L00-L08Primary Range

Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

This range includes codes for skin infections, including cutaneous abscesses.

Bacterial and viral infectious agents

These codes are used to identify the causative organism in infections.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for groin abscess

Essential facts and insights about Groin Abscess

The ICD-10 code for a cutaneous abscess of the groin is L02.214, used for abscesses confined to the skin or subcutaneous tissue.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for groin abscess

Cutaneous abscess of groin
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Abscess confirmed by imaging or physical exam

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation specifies 'cutaneous' or 'subcutaneous' abscess

Applicable To

  • Localized skin abscess in the groin area

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Ultrasound or CT confirming subcutaneous abscess
  • Physical exam showing fluctuant mass in groin

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if abscess extends beyond cutaneous layer

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the exact location and depth of the abscess.

Ancillary Codes

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

Methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus infection

B95.61
Use when MSSA is identified as the causative organism.

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection

B95.62
Use when MRSA is identified as the causative organism.

Differential Codes

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

Cutaneous abscess of perineum

L02.215
Use for abscesses located in the perineal region.

Ischiorectal abscess

K61.3
Use for abscesses located in the ischiorectal fossa.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Groin Abscess to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L02.214.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in treatment location, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the side of the body affected, Use templates that prompt for laterality

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use appropriate codes for deeper abscesses, such as musculoskeletal codes.

Impact

Using simple I&D codes for complicated procedures

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of procedure complexity

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

Documentation Templates for Groin Abscess

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

Incision and Drainage of Groin Abscess

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Location and size of abscess
  • Type of anesthesia used
  • Details of incision and drainage
  • Post-procedure care instructions

Example Documentation

Procedure: I&D right groin abscess - Prep: Chlorhexidine - Anesthesia: 5mL 1% lidocaine - Incision: 2cm linear, #11 blade - Findings: 10mL foul-smelling pus, loculations broken - Packing: 2cm iodoform gauze - Post-op: Keflex prescribed

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Groin abscess drained.
Good Documentation Example
3cm fluctuant abscess in right groin. Incision made with #11 blade, 15mL purulent drainage expressed. Wound packed with ¼-inch iodoform gauze.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the procedure, supporting accurate coding.

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

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