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L05.91
ICD-10-CM
Pilonidal Disease

Find comprehensive information on pilonidal disease diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (L05), medical coding guidelines, and healthcare best practices. Learn about pilonidal cyst treatment, surgical procedures, and postoperative care. This resource provides essential information for physicians, nurses, medical coders, and other healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and management of pilonidal sinus disease. Explore symptoms, differential diagnosis, and effective treatment strategies for this common condition.

Also known as

Pilonidal Cyst
Pilonidal Sinus

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : A cyst or abscess near the tailbone containing hair and skin debris.
  • Clinical Signs : Pain, swelling, redness, drainage of pus or blood near the tailbone cleft.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, dermatology, general surgery clinics.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC L05.91 Coding
L05

Pilonidal cyst with abscess

Infection of hair follicle in natal cleft.

L05.0

Pilonidal cyst with abscess

Active infection in the pilonidal sinus.

L05.9

Pilonidal cyst without abscess

Pilonidal sinus without active infection.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the pilonidal disease acute (abscess/infection)?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Painful cyst/abscess near tailbone
Hair follicle infection (not tailbone)
Anal fistula/abscess

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Pilonidal cyst location, size documented
  • Presence/absence of abscess, drainage noted
  • Acute/chronic nature of disease specified
  • Associated symptoms (pain, fever) recorded
  • ICD-10 code L05 documented for Pilonidal disease

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Location

    Coding pilonidal disease without specifying the location (e.g., coccyx, buttock) can lead to claim denials and inaccurate data. Use ICD-10-CM specificity for proper reimbursement.

  • Abscess vs. Cyst

    Incorrectly coding a pilonidal cyst as an abscess or vice versa can impact severity reporting and resource allocation. CDI must clarify the current state.

  • Acute vs. Chronic

    Distinguishing between acute and chronic pilonidal disease is crucial for accurate tracking and treatment. Documentation should support this distinction for proper coding.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document abscess, cyst, sinus tracts: ICD-10 L05, improve CDI.
  • Confirm diagnosis clinically, avoid unnecessary imaging: optimize HCC coding.
  • Surgical treatment? Detail extent, location, method for accurate CPT coding.
  • Post-op care documentation: wound checks, packing changes for compliant billing.
  • Monitor for recurrence, document thoroughly for improved risk adjustment HCC.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm midline location, natal cleft involvement
  • Document presence of sinus tracts, abscess, or drainage
  • Rule out other diagnoses: hidradenitis, furuncle, fistula
  • Assess severity: acute vs chronic, simple vs complex
  • Evaluate for cellulitis, systemic infection signs

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Pilonidal Disease Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts payer contracts and claim denials. Focus on ICD-10 L05, CPT incision/drainage/excision codes for optimal reimbursement.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Surgical site infection (SSI) tracking crucial for pilonidal cyst. Accurate documentation improves hospital quality reporting and value-based care.
  • Hospital Reporting: Proper coding of pilonidal disease (L05) affects hospital case mix index (CMI), influencing resource allocation and public health data.
  • Coding Accuracy Tip: Distinguish between acute abscess (L05.0) and chronic sinus (L05.9) for accurate pilonidal cyst coding and optimal reimbursement.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code L05 for pilonidal cyst
  • L05.0 for coccygeal area
  • Document abscess/sinus details
  • Excise/I&D impacts coding
  • Add laterality for clarity

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with pilonidal cyst symptoms, including pain, swelling, and drainage near the tailbone or natal cleft.  On examination, a pilonidal sinus, abscess, or dimple is observed in the sacrococcygeal region.  The area may exhibit erythema, tenderness, induration, and purulent discharge with a foul odor.  Differential diagnoses considered include hidradenitis suppurativa, perianal abscess, and furuncle.  The patient's medical history was reviewed for risk factors such as obesity, hirsutism, sedentary lifestyle, deep natal cleft, and family history of pilonidal disease.  Severity of the pilonidal abscess is assessed based on the presence of cellulitis, systemic symptoms such as fever, and the extent of the lesion.  Treatment options discussed include conservative management with warm compresses, antibiotics for infection, and incision and drainage for abscesses.  Surgical treatment options, such as excision with primary closure, excision with healing by secondary intention, or marsupialization, may be considered for recurrent or chronic pilonidal disease.  Patient education provided regarding wound care, hygiene, and recurrence prevention.  Follow-up appointment scheduled for wound check and further management as needed.  ICD-10 code H60.1 (acute pilonidal abscess with skin involvement) or H60.0 (acute pilonidal abscess without skin involvement) is appropriate, depending on the presentation.  CPT codes for procedures performed, such as incision and drainage (10060, 10061) or excision (11770, 11772), will be documented accordingly.
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