ICD-10 Coding for Bowel Ischemia(K55.01, K55.02, I74.3)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Bowel Ischemia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Bowel Ischemia
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K55.01 | Acute vascular disorders of intestine | Use when acute ischemia is confirmed without necrosis. |
|
| K55.02 | Acute infarction of intestine | Use when necrosis or infarction is confirmed. |
|
| I74.3 | Embolism and thrombosis of mesenteric artery | Use when embolism or thrombosis is the cause of ischemia. |
|
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 bowel ischemia
Essential facts and insights about Bowel Ischemia
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for bowel ischemia
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of acute symptoms and imaging findings
Applicable To
- Acute ischemic colitis
Excludes
- Chronic ischemic colitis (K55.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Sudden-onset abdominal pain
- Elevated lactate levels
- CT showing bowel wall edema
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification as chronic ischemia
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies acute nature and lack of necrosis.
K55.02 - Acute infarction of intestine
Use when necrosis or infarction is confirmed.
Applicable To
- Acute infarction of small intestine
Excludes
- Chronic ischemic colitis (K55.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- CT showing pneumatosis
- Operative findings of necrotic bowel
Coding Notes
Necrosis must be documented to use this code.
I74.3 - Embolism and thrombosis of mesenteric artery
Use when embolism or thrombosis is the cause of ischemia.
Applicable To
- Mesenteric arterial embolism
Excludes
- Chronic mesenteric ischemia (K55.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging showing SMA occlusion
- History of embolic events
Coding Notes
Document embolism as the cause for accurate coding.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Bowel Ischemia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K55.01.
Impact
Clinical: Misrepresentation of severity, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure operative notes confirm necrosis, Use imaging findings to support documentation
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to lower reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Use K55.02 if necrosis is present.
Impact
Necrosis must be documented for K55.02.
Mitigation Strategy
Use operative and imaging reports to confirm necrosis.
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 Bowel Ischemia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Bowel Ischemia
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Bowel Ischemia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute bowel ischemia in emergency setting
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- Onset and duration of symptoms
- Imaging findings
- Laboratory results
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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