Carbuncle of chest wall

This code describes a deep, painful skin infection of the chest wall, characterized by a cluster of interconnected boils (furuncles) that drain pus through multiple openings. It is caused by bacterial infection, typically Staphylococcus aureus, affecting hair follicles and surrounding subcutaneous tissue.

Assign this code when documentation specifies a carbuncle located anywhere on the chest wall. This includes the anterior, posterior, or lateral aspects of the thorax. Supporting documentation should clearly identify the lesion as a carbuncle and its anatomical site.

• Differentiate from a single furuncle (boil) of the chest wall, which would be coded differently.
• Do not use for abscesses of the breast, as these have distinct codes.
• Consider an additional code for the causative organism if identified and documented (e.g., B95.61 for MRSA).