ICD-10 Code L02.232 – Carbuncle of back [any part, except buttock] (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L02.232 – Carbuncle of back [any part, except buttock]
What it is
L02.232 identifies a carbuncle located on the back, excluding the buttock. It refers to a deeper skin infection involving a cluster of boils, usually from Staphylococcus infection.
Clinical signs
You may see a painful, swollen, red, and warm lesion with multiple draining points or pus. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents a carbuncle on any part of the back, but not the buttock. It fits localized skin infection notes describing a clustered abscess or furuncular infection in that site. Check documentation if the exact back location is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use it for a carbuncle on the buttock or for a simple boil without documentation of a carbuncle. If the site is elsewhere on the body, select the code that matches the documented location.
Coding tip
Confirm the anatomic site in the note, because “back” excludes the buttock and location drives correct code selection.