ICD-10 Coding for Acute Colitis(K51.01, A04.7)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acute Colitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Acute Colitis
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K51.01 | Ulcerative colitis, acute severe, with complications | Use when acute severe ulcerative colitis is confirmed with complications. |
|
| A04.7 | Enterocolitis due to Clostridioides difficile | Use when C. difficile infection is confirmed. |
|
Clinical Decision Support
Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for acute colitis
Essential facts and insights about Acute Colitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acute colitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of >6 bloody stools/day and elevated CRP.
Applicable To
- Acute severe ulcerative colitis with complications
Excludes
- Crohn's disease (K50.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- >6 bloody stools/day
- CRP >45 mg/L
- ESR >30 mm/hr
Code-Specific Risks
- Ensure documentation supports severity and complications.
Coding Notes
- Ensure severity criteria are met for accurate coding.
A04.7 - Enterocolitis due to Clostridioides difficile
Use when C. difficile infection is confirmed.
Applicable To
- C. difficile colitis
Excludes
- Other bacterial intestinal infections (A04.0-A04.6)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive stool PCR for C. difficile toxin
Coding Notes
Confirm infection with lab results before coding.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Colitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K51.01.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure complete diagnostic workup before coding.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure stool tests are negative before using noninfective codes.
Impact
Incorrect coding of colitis severity can lead to audits.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation meets criteria for severity coding.
Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Acute Colitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Acute Colitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acute Colitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute severe ulcerative colitis
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- Chief complaint
- History of present illness
- Lab results
- Endoscopy findings
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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