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ICD-10 Coding for Angioectasia of Colon(K55.21, K55.20)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Angioectasia of Colon. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Colonic AngiodysplasiaVascular Ectasia of Colon

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Angioectasia of Colon

K55.20-K55.21Primary Range

Angiodysplasia of colon with or without hemorrhage

This range covers the primary ICD-10 codes for angioectasia of the colon, distinguishing between cases with and without hemorrhage.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K55.21Angiodysplasia of colon with hemorrhageUse when there is documented active bleeding from colonic angioectasia.
  • Endoscopic evidence of bleeding
  • Hemoglobin drop ≥2 g/dL
K55.20Angiodysplasia of colon without hemorrhageUse when angioectasia is identified without evidence of bleeding.
  • Endoscopic identification of angioectasia without bleeding

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 angioectasia colon

Essential facts and insights about Angioectasia of Colon

The ICD-10 code for angioectasia of the colon with hemorrhage is K55.21, and without hemorrhage is K55.20.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for angioectasia colon

Angiodysplasia of colon with hemorrhage
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Active bleeding observed during endoscopy

documentation Criteria

  • Hemoglobin drop documented

Applicable To

  • Angioectasia of colon with active bleeding

Excludes

  • Arteriovenous malformation (Q27.33)
  • Telangiectasia (I78.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Endoscopic evidence of bleeding
  • Hemoglobin drop ≥2 g/dL

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding without evidence of bleeding

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies active bleeding for K55.21.

Ancillary Codes

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

Iron deficiency anemia

D50.9
Use if anemia is documented due to bleeding.

Differential Codes

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

Arteriovenous malformation, congenital

Q27.33
Requires documentation of congenital AVM.

Telangiectasia

I78.1
Use when telangiectasia is specified and not classified as angiodysplasia.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Angioectasia of Colon to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K55.21.

Impact

Clinical: Misclassification of condition severity., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Review endoscopy reports for bleeding status, Ensure complete documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to potential overpayment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes endoscopic evidence of bleeding.

Impact

Risk of coding K55.21 without documented bleeding.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure endoscopic evidence of bleeding is documented.

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 Angioectasia of Colon, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Angioectasia of Colon

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Angioectasia of Colon. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Colonoscopy with bleeding angioectasia

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Endoscopic findings
  • Hemoglobin levels
  • Bleeding status

Example Documentation

Colonoscopy reveals angioectasia in ascending colon with active bleeding.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Vascular lesion noted.
Good Documentation Example
Angioectasia in ascending colon with active bleeding observed.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type and status of the lesion.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Angioectasia of Colon? Ask your questions below.

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