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ICD-10 Coding for Right Buttock Abscess(L02.311, L02.312, L02.313)

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

Also known as:

Gluteal AbscessButtock Boil

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right Buttock Abscess

L02.31-L02.33Primary Range

Cutaneous abscess, furuncle, and carbuncle of buttock

This range includes codes for various types of abscesses located on the buttock, including cutaneous abscess, furuncle, and carbuncle.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
L02.311Cutaneous abscess of right buttockUse for simple cutaneous abscesses on the right buttock without deeper tissue involvement.
  • Fluctuant mass, erythema, tenderness
  • Ultrasound confirming subcutaneous pus collection
L02.312Furuncle of right buttockUse for boils originating from hair follicle infections on the right buttock.
  • Necrotic core, surrounding erythema
  • Culture confirming MSSA or other organism
L02.313Carbuncle of right buttockUse for clusters of interconnected boils on the right buttock.
  • Multiple draining lesions, induration
  • MRI showing subcutaneous interconnection

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 right buttock abscess

Essential facts and insights about Right Buttock Abscess

The ICD-10 code for a right buttock abscess is L02.311, used for a simple cutaneous abscess confined to the right buttock.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for right buttock abscess

Cutaneous abscess of right buttock
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of a fluctuant mass on the right buttock

documentation Criteria

  • Ultrasound confirmation of subcutaneous collection

Applicable To

  • Simple cutaneous abscess confined to right buttock subcutaneous tissue

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Fluctuant mass, erythema, tenderness
  • Ultrasound confirming subcutaneous pus collection

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as pilonidal abscess
  • Missing laterality in documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented as 'right buttock'.

Ancillary Codes

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

MRSA infection

B95.62
Use when MRSA is confirmed by culture or PCR.

Differential Codes

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

Pilonidal cyst

K60.3-
Pilonidal cysts are located in the natal cleft and may involve sinus tracts.

Carbuncle of right buttock

L02.313
Carbuncles are clusters of interconnected furuncles.

Furuncle of right buttock

L02.312
Furuncles are single boils, not interconnected.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Buttock Abscess to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L02.311.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in treatment location, Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials or delays

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify 'right' or 'left' in documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to potential underpayment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'right buttock' and not 'natal cleft'.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential denial of claims due to unsupported coding., Compliance: Violation of coding standards requiring evidence-based documentation., Data Quality: Misleading data on infection rates and treatment outcomes.

Mitigation Strategy

Only code MRSA when culture or PCR results confirm its presence.

Impact

Absence of laterality can lead to incorrect coding and billing.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields in EHR for laterality.

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

Documentation Templates for Right Buttock Abscess

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

Emergency Department presentation of right buttock abscess

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Location and size of abscess
  • Presence of fluctuation and erythema
  • Imaging results
  • Culture results
  • Treatment details

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a 5 cm fluctuant mass in the right inferior gluteal fold. Ultrasound confirms subcutaneous collection. Incision and drainage performed with Penrose drain placement. Culture pending.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Drained buttock abscess
Good Documentation Example
I&D of 4 cm fluctuant abscess, right gluteal region. 20 mL pus drained. Cavity probed to 3 cm depth. Jackson-Pratt drain placed. Culture sent.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the procedure, location, and follow-up actions, supporting accurate coding and billing.

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

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