Learn about Abscess Back (Cutaneous Abscess of Back, Boil on Back) diagnosis, including clinical documentation, healthcare best practices, and medical coding information. Find accurate and relevant resources for proper diagnosis and treatment of an Abscess on the Back. This information is crucial for medical professionals and coders seeking clarity on healthcare terminology related to Back Abscesses.
Also known as
Cutaneous Abscess, Furuncle, and Carbuncle of Trunk
Covers abscesses, boils, and carbuncles on the back.
Other local infections of skin and subcutaneous tissue of trunk
Includes other localized skin infections on the back not classified elsewhere.
Unspecified local infection of skin and subcutaneous tissue of trunk
Used when a more specific back skin infection diagnosis is not available.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the back abscess cutaneous/subcutaneous?
Yes
Is there carbuncle or furuncle?
No
Specify abscess location
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Skin infection with pus on the back. |
| Skin infection with pus anywhere on the body. |
| Inflamed hair follicle, often infected. |
Coding back abscess without laterality (right/left) or anatomical specificity may lead to claim denials or inaccurate severity reflection.
Insufficient documentation to support abscess diagnosis (e.g., size, cause, symptoms) may trigger CDI queries and coding errors.
If the abscess is associated with systemic infection (sepsis), failure to accurately capture this impacts reimbursement and quality reporting.
Q: What are the best evidence-based antibiotic treatment options for a recurrent cutaneous abscess of the back in an otherwise healthy adult patient?
A: Recurrent cutaneous abscesses on the back, even in healthy adults, can be challenging. First-line treatment typically involves incision and drainage (I&D). However, for recurrent cases, considering antibiotic therapy alongside I&D is crucial. Culture and sensitivity testing should guide antibiotic selection, but empiric therapy often includes options with activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), doxycycline, or clindamycin. For severe or complicated cases, intravenous vancomycin may be necessary. Explore how decolonization strategies, like intranasal mupirocin, can reduce recurrence rates in patients with recurrent skin infections. Consider implementing a shared decision-making approach to discuss antibiotic duration and potential adverse effects with your patient.
Q: How do I differentiate a simple back boil from a deeper soft tissue infection like a carbuncle or even a spinal epidural abscess in clinical practice?
A: Differentiating between a simple boil, a carbuncle, and a spinal epidural abscess is crucial for proper management. A boil (furuncle) presents as a single, localized, painful, erythematous nodule. A carbuncle involves multiple interconnected furuncles extending deeper into the subcutaneous tissue, often with systemic symptoms. A spinal epidural abscess presents with severe back pain, fever, neurological deficits, and requires urgent imaging (MRI). Careful clinical examination, including palpation for fluctuance, assessment of surrounding tissues, and neurological evaluation, helps guide the diagnosis. For patients with fever, significant pain, or neurological signs, prompt imaging and surgical consultation are warranted. Learn more about the role of ultrasound in diagnosing and guiding the management of skin and soft tissue infections.
Patient presents with a cutaneous abscess on the back, consistent with a boil or skin abscess. The patient reports localized pain, swelling, erythema, and tenderness to palpation at the affected site. The abscess appears as a raised, fluctuant lesion with possible purulent drainage or a visible head. Differential diagnoses considered include furuncle, carbuncle, epidermoid cyst, and hidradenitis suppurativa. Based on the clinical presentation and physical examination, the diagnosis of back abscess is confirmed. Treatment plan includes incision and drainage of the abscess, wound care instructions, and consideration of antibiotic therapy depending on the size, severity, and presence of systemic symptoms such as fever or lymphadenopathy. Patient education provided on proper wound care, hygiene, and signs of infection. Follow-up appointment scheduled to monitor healing progress and assess for any complications such as cellulitis or recurrent abscess. ICD-10 code L02.211 (Cutaneous abscess, furuncle, and carbuncle of back) is documented for medical billing and coding purposes. The prognosis for complete resolution is excellent with appropriate treatment and adherence to the recommended care plan.