ICD-10 Coding for Chronic Colitis(K50.00, K51.911, K52.9)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Chronic Colitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Chronic Colitis
K50-K52Primary Range
Diseases of the digestive system, specifically inflammatory bowel diseases
This range includes codes for Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and other noninfective gastroenteritis and 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| K50.00 | Crohn's disease of small intestine without complications | Use when Crohn's disease is confirmed in the small intestine without complications. |
|
| K51.911 | Ulcerative colitis, unspecified, with rectal bleeding | Use when ulcerative colitis is unspecified but rectal bleeding is documented. |
|
| K52.9 | Noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis, unspecified | Use when chronic colitis is documented but not specified as Crohn's or ulcerative colitis. |
|
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 chronic colitis
Essential facts and insights about Chronic Colitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for chronic colitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed Crohn's disease in the small intestine without complications
Applicable To
- Regional enteritis
Excludes
- Ulcerative colitis (K51.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Endoscopic evidence of inflammation
- Histological confirmation
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if complications are present but not documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the absence of complications.
K51.911 - Ulcerative colitis, unspecified, with rectal bleeding
Use when ulcerative colitis is unspecified but rectal bleeding is documented.
Applicable To
- Chronic ulcerative colitis with rectal bleeding
Excludes
- Crohn's disease (K50.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Colonoscopy showing continuous inflammation
- Biopsy confirming ulcerative colitis
Coding Notes
Ensure rectal bleeding is clearly documented.
K52.9 - Noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis, unspecified
Use when chronic colitis is documented but not specified as Crohn's or ulcerative colitis.
Applicable To
- Chronic colitis NOS
Excludes
- Infective colitis (A09)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Absence of specific diagnosis for Crohn's or ulcerative colitis
Coding Notes
Use as a last resort when no specific diagnosis is available.
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.
Ulcerative colitis without complications
K51.00Crohn's disease, unspecified, with rectal bleeding
K50.911Ulcerative colitis, unspecified
K51.9Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chronic Colitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K50.00.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inadequate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Thorough clinical documentation, Regular coding audits
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Risk of non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases the accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough documentation and query for specifics if needed.
Impact
High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used without justification.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure detailed documentation and query for specifics.
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 Chronic Colitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Chronic Colitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Chronic Colitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chronic colitis with complications
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- Disease type and location
- Presence of complications
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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