ICD-10 Code L02.33 – Carbuncle of buttock (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L02.33 – Carbuncle of buttock
What it is
L02.33 identifies a carbuncle located on the buttock. It refers to a cluster of connected skin abscesses, usually involving deeper infection of hair follicles and surrounding tissue.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a painful, swollen, red, and tender area on the buttock, often with drainage or a central opening. Fever or surrounding cellulitis may occur; clinical features vary, refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents a carbuncle specifically on the buttock. It is appropriate for localized skin infection reports that identify this site and do not describe a different abscess type. If the note only says “abscess” or the site is unclear, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use L02.33 for a simple furuncle, pilonidal disease, or an abscess at another body site. If the record does not clearly support a carbuncle diagnosis, check documentation.
Coding tip
Verify both the lesion type and the exact buttock location before assigning L02.33.