Carbuncle of head [any part, except face]

This code signifies a deep, painful bacterial infection of a hair follicle or group of hair follicles on the scalp or other non-facial areas of the head. It presents as a cluster of interconnected boils, often with multiple draining sinuses, and can be accompanied by fever and malaise.

Apply this code when documentation specifies a carbuncle located on any part of the head, excluding the face. This includes the scalp, neck (posterior aspect), or ear (external, non-facial parts). Physician notes should clearly indicate the diagnosis of a carbuncle and its head location.

• Differentiate from a simple furuncle (boil), which is a single infected hair follicle.
• Ensure the anatomical site is clearly documented as "head, non-facial" to avoid miscoding to facial carbuncles.
• Consider additional codes for any associated systemic symptoms (e.g., fever, cellulitis) if documented.