ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Question: What is the difference between a carbuncle and a furuncle of the external ear, and how do I choose a diagnosis code for each condition?

Mississippi Subscriber

Answer: For both carbuncle and furuncle, you’ll choose a code from the H60.0- (Abscess of external ear) code set. The 60.0- set considers the following conditions synonyms for the H60.0- descriptor:

• Boil of external ear
• Carbuncle of auricle or external auditory canal
• Furuncle of external ear

5th character alert: Don’t stop with H60.0-; make sure to extend your diagnosis to the 5th character with one of the following options:

• H60.00 (Abscess of external ear, unspecified ear)
• H60.01 (Abscess of right external ear)
• H60.02 (Abscess of left external ear)
• H60.03 (Abscess of external ear, bilateral)

Furuncle definition: A furuncle, also known as a boil, is a skin infection that involves a hair follicle and the surrounding tissue. It is typically caused by bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus. A furuncle appears as a red, swollen, and painful bump on the skin, which can grow in size and eventually develop a pus-filled head.

Carbuncle definition: A carbuncle is a skin infection that often involves a group of hair follicles. It is characterized by the formation of a large, painful, and red lump that may contain pus. Carbuncles are typically caused by bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus. They can develop anywhere on the body but are more common on the back, neck, and thighs.