In simple words: An ingrown nail happens when your fingernail or toenail grows into the skin around it, causing pain, redness, and swelling. It's common in toenails, especially the big toe.Sometimes, it gets infected.

L60.0, Ingrowing nail, refers to a condition where the nail of a finger or toe penetrates the surrounding soft tissues, leading to inflammation.This is frequently seen in toenails, especially the great toe. Symptoms can include pain, redness, swelling, tenderness, and potential infection with pus formation.The diagnosis requires clinical evidence of an ingrown nail.

Example 1: A patient presents with a painful, inflamed great toenail that has grown into the adjacent skin. The physician diagnoses an ingrown toenail (L60.0) and performs a minor surgical procedure to remove the ingrown portion of the nail., A patient with diabetes has an ingrown toenail that is infected. The physician diagnoses an ingrown toenail with secondary infection (L60.0 with additional infectious disease code).Antibiotic therapy and surgical debridement are required., A young child develops an ingrown toenail with significant pain and swelling, interfering with their ability to walk.The physician diagnoses an ingrown toenail (L60.0) and implements conservative management (nail trimming and topical treatment).

Documentation should include a detailed description of the affected nail, the presence of inflammation, infection (if any), and the patient's symptoms.Photographs or other imaging may also be helpful in documenting the condition.The treatment plan, including any surgical intervention, should be clearly documented.

** Coding for ingrown nails should accurately reflect the severity and complexity of the condition. For recurrent or severe cases, additional codes might be needed to reflect the complexity of care.