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ICD-10 Coding for Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia(K55.1)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Intestinal AnginaChronic Intestinal Ischemia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia

K55-K64Primary Range

Diseases of intestines

Includes codes for various intestinal ischemic conditions, with K55.1 specifically for chronic mesenteric ischemia.

Diseases of arteries, arterioles, and capillaries

Includes codes for atherosclerosis, which is a common underlying cause of chronic mesenteric ischemia.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for chronic mesenteric ischemia

Essential facts and insights about Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia

The ICD-10 code for chronic mesenteric ischemia is K55.1, used for chronic vascular disorders of the intestine.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for chronic mesenteric ischemia

Chronic vascular disorders of intestine
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of postprandial pain and significant weight loss with imaging confirmation.

coding Criteria

  • Avoid using acute codes unless acute symptoms are present.

Applicable To

  • Chronic mesenteric ischemia

Excludes

  • Acute vascular disorders of intestine (K55.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Postprandial abdominal pain lasting >30 minutes
  • Unintentional weight loss ≥10% body weight
  • CTA showing ≥70% stenosis in ≥2 mesenteric arteries

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with acute mesenteric ischemia codes
  • Failure to document underlying causes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies chronicity and imaging findings.

Ancillary Codes

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

Atherosclerosis of native arteries of extremities

I70.2
Use when atherosclerosis is the documented cause of chronic mesenteric ischemia.

Differential Codes

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

Acute vascular disorders of intestine

K55.0
Use K55.0 for acute presentations with lactic acidosis and sudden onset.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K55.1.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis risk, Regulatory: Potential audit failure, Financial: Claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms like 'postprandial pain', Document symptom duration and impact

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Use K55.1 for symptoms persisting over 2 weeks.

Impact

Using non-specific codes without supporting documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed symptom documentation and imaging results are included.

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 Mesenteric Ischemia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia with Atherosclerosis

Specialty: Vascular Surgery

Required Elements

  • Detailed history of postprandial pain
  • Weight loss documentation
  • Imaging findings

Example Documentation

65F with 8-month history of postprandial periumbilical pain beginning 20 minutes after meals, lasting 1-2 hours. 12kg unintentional weight loss. No relief with PPIs. CTA 3/25/25 shows 85% SMA stenosis and 70% celiac stenosis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Abdominal pain, ? mesenteric ischemia
Good Documentation Example
Classic intestinal angina: pain starts 15min postprandial, lasts 45min, 14% weight loss over 6mo. CTA confirms 80% SMA and 75% celiac stenosis.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptom details and imaging confirmation, supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia? Ask your questions below.

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