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ICD-10 Coding for Colectomy(K63.5)

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

Also known as:

Colon ResectionBowel Resection

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Colectomy

K63-K64Primary Range

Diseases of the intestines

This range includes conditions that may necessitate a colectomy, such as diverticulitis and Crohn's disease.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for colectomy

Essential facts and insights about Colectomy

The ICD-10 code for colectomy varies based on the procedure type, such as K63.5 for colon polyps.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for colectomy

Polyp of colon
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of polyps confirmed by colonoscopy.

Applicable To

  • Colon polyps

Excludes

  • Familial adenomatous polyposis (Q85.8)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Colonoscopy findings
  • Histopathology report

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure histopathology confirms polyp type to avoid misclassification.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the location and type of polyp.

Ancillary Codes

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

Personal history of other diseases of digestive system

Z87.19
Use to indicate a history of colon polyps.

Differential Codes

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

Enteritis

K63.4
Enteritis involves inflammation, whereas polyps are growths.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Colectomy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K63.5.

Impact

Clinical: May affect post-operative care planning., Regulatory: Leads to non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Include ostomy details in the operative report., Use checklists to ensure all procedure components are documented.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims or incorrect reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate data affecting patient records and statistics.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies whether it was a partial or total colectomy and any anastomosis.

Impact

Incorrectly coding separate procedures that should be bundled.

Mitigation Strategy

Review coding guidelines to ensure correct bundling of procedures.

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

Documentation Templates for Colectomy

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

Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy

Specialty: General Surgery

Required Elements

  • Pre-op diagnosis
  • Procedure details
  • Findings
  • Technique
  • Specimens

Example Documentation

Pre-op Diagnosis: Colon adenocarcinoma, ascending colon. Procedure: Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with ileocolostomy. Findings: Tumor in ascending colon, 4 cm. Technique: Mobilized hepatic flexure, divided ileocolic vessels. Specimens: Ascending colon, terminal ileum.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Colectomy performed.
Good Documentation Example
Laparoscopic resection of ascending colon with ileocolostomy; 15 lymph nodes resected, tumor size 4 cm.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the procedure, including the type of resection and anatomical details.

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

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