Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Anal Pain(K60.0, K60.1, K64.3, K62.89)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Anal Pain. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Rectal PainPerianal Pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Anal Pain

K60-K64Primary Range

Diseases of the anus and rectum

This range includes specific conditions causing anal pain, such as fissures, hemorrhoids, and abscesses.

Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen

This range includes symptom codes like pelvic and perianal pain, used when a specific diagnosis is not established.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K60.0Acute anal fissureUse for sudden-onset anal pain with visible tear and bleeding.
  • Sudden-onset sharp pain during defecation
  • Visible tear on examination
  • Minimal bleeding
K60.1Chronic anal fissureUse for anal pain with chronicity and sentinel tag.
  • Sentinel tag
  • Hypertrophied papilla
  • History of recurrent pain
K64.3Thrombosed external hemorrhoidUse for acute anal pain with palpable thrombosed mass.
  • Palpable tender perianal mass
  • Acute pain without defecation
K62.89Other specified diseases of anus and rectumUse when specific conditions are ruled out.
  • Pain from confirmed etiology not captured in specific codes

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 anal pain

Essential facts and insights about Anal Pain

Anal pain is coded based on the underlying condition, such as K60.0 for acute anal fissure.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for anal pain

Acute anal fissure
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Visible tear and acute pain during defecation

Applicable To

  • Acute tear in the anal canal

Excludes

  • Chronic anal fissure (K60.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Sudden-onset sharp pain during defecation
  • Visible tear on examination
  • Minimal bleeding

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misdiagnosis if chronic fissure is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies acute nature and visible tear.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Pelvic and perineal pain

R10.2
Use if no definitive diagnosis is established.

Thrombosed hemorrhoid

K64.8
Use if thrombosed hemorrhoid is present.

Rectal bleeding

R19.5
Use if bleeding is present.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Chronic anal fissure

K60.1
Presence of sentinel tag and pain history >6 weeks.

Acute anal fissure

K60.0
Acute onset and no sentinel tag.

First degree hemorrhoids

K64.0
No thrombosis present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Anal Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K60.0.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document duration of symptoms., Include physical exam findings.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use K60.0 or K60.1 instead.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential for denied claims., Compliance: Risk of audit findings., Data Quality: Misleading data on hemorrhoid prevalence.

Mitigation Strategy

Use K64.3 with documentation of thrombosis.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used without justification.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes whenever possible and document thoroughly.

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 Anal Pain, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Anal Pain

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Anal Pain. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Emergency Department Visit for Anal Pain

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Diagnostic studies
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

**HPI**: 35 yo male c/o sharp anal pain during defecation for 3 days. **Exam**: Linear tear at 6 o’clock position. **Studies**: No imaging required. **Assessment**: Acute anal fissure. **Plan**: Topical nitroglycerin.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Anal pain, treat with fiber.
Good Documentation Example
Acute anal fissure at 6 o’clock with sphincter spasm; plan: 0.4% NTG ointment BID x 6 weeks.
Explanation
The good example specifies the diagnosis and treatment plan, supporting the use of K60.0.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Anal Pain? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more