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ICD-10 Coding for Bacterial Peritonitis(K65.2, K65.1)

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

Also known as:

Spontaneous Bacterial PeritonitisSBP

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Bacterial Peritonitis

K65-K67Primary Range

Diseases of peritoneum

This range includes codes for various types of peritonitis, including spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and secondary peritonitis.

Diseases of liver

Includes codes for liver diseases such as cirrhosis, which is often associated with SBP.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K65.2Spontaneous bacterial peritonitisUse when SBP is confirmed by paracentesis and linked to cirrhosis.
  • Ascitic fluid neutrophil count ≥250 cells/mm³
  • Absence of surgical source of infection
K65.1Peritoneal abscessUse when an abscess is confirmed by imaging.
  • Imaging confirming abscess

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 spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Essential facts and insights about Bacterial Peritonitis

The ICD-10 code for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is K65.2, used when confirmed by ascitic fluid analysis and linked to cirrhosis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for bacterial peritonitis

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Ascitic fluid neutrophil count ≥250 cells/mm³

documentation Criteria

  • Link to cirrhosis or liver disease

Applicable To

  • Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhosis

Excludes

  • Peritoneal abscess (K65.1)
  • Generalized peritonitis (K65.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Ascitic fluid neutrophil count ≥250 cells/mm³
  • Absence of surgical source of infection

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding without confirming neutrophil count
  • Not linking to cirrhosis when applicable

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'spontaneous' and includes lab results.

Ancillary Codes

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

Cirrhosis of liver, unspecified

K74.60
Use when cirrhosis is the underlying cause of SBP.

Unspecified Escherichia coli as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B96.20
Use when E. coli is identified as the causative organism.

Differential Codes

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

Peritoneal abscess

K65.1
Presence of an abscess confirmed by imaging.

Generalized peritonitis

K65.0
Diffuse peritonitis with a surgical source, such as bowel perforation.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

K65.2
No abscess present, confirmed by paracentesis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Bacterial Peritonitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K65.2.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify 'spontaneous' if applicable, Include lab results in documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes ascitic fluid analysis with PMN count.

Impact

Coding SBP without proper documentation of PMN count and cirrhosis linkage.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation requirements are met before 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 Bacterial Peritonitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Bacterial Peritonitis

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

SBP in a cirrhotic patient

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • History of cirrhosis
  • Ascitic fluid analysis results
  • Symptoms of abdominal pain and fever

Example Documentation

Patient with known cirrhosis presents with abdominal pain. Paracentesis shows PMN 300 cells/mm³, culture pending. Diagnosed with SBP.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has peritonitis, treat with antibiotics.
Good Documentation Example
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (PMN 400 cells/mm³) in decompensated cirrhosis, no evidence of perforation.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type of peritonitis and includes critical lab results.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Bacterial Peritonitis? Ask your questions below.

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