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ICD-10 Coding for Colitis Pain(K51.911, R10.31)

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

Also known as:

Ulcerative Colitis PainInflammatory Bowel Disease Pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Colitis Pain

K51.0-K51.9Primary Range

Ulcerative colitis

This range covers various forms of ulcerative colitis, which is often associated with abdominal pain.

Abdominal and pelvic pain

This range includes codes for abdominal pain, which can be a symptom of colitis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K51.911Ulcerative colitis, unspecified, with rectal bleedingUse when ulcerative colitis is confirmed with rectal bleeding.
  • Endoscopy showing active bleeding
  • Patient reports of rectal bleeding
R10.31Right lower quadrant painUse when documenting specific location of abdominal pain.
  • Physical exam documenting RLQ tenderness

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 colitis pain

Essential facts and insights about Colitis Pain

The ICD-10 code for colitis pain is often K51.911 for ulcerative colitis with rectal bleeding, and R10.31 for right lower quadrant pain.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for colitis pain

Ulcerative colitis, unspecified, with rectal bleeding
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of rectal bleeding confirmed by endoscopy

Applicable To

  • Ulcerative colitis with bleeding

Excludes

  • Crohn's disease with bleeding

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Endoscopy showing active bleeding
  • Patient reports of rectal bleeding

Code-Specific Risks

  • Undercoding if bleeding is not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies bleeding and correlates with endoscopic findings.

Ancillary Codes

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

Right lower quadrant pain

R10.31
Use to specify the location of abdominal pain associated with colitis.

Differential Codes

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

Crohn's disease, unspecified, without complications

K50.90
Use K50.90 for Crohn's disease, which is characterized by skip lesions and transmural inflammation.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Colitis Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K51.911.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes that reflect the full clinical picture., Ensure documentation supports the chosen codes.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential loss of reimbursement for more severe conditions, Compliance: Risk of non-compliance with coding standards, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of symptoms and findings, such as bleeding and pain location.

Impact

Using codes for complications without proper documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all complication codes are supported by clinical evidence.

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

Documentation Templates for Colitis Pain

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

UC flare with generalized pain

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Pain location and severity
  • Associated symptoms
  • Endoscopic findings

Example Documentation

Patient reports 10+ bloody stools/day with diffuse abdominal tenderness. CRP elevated to 45 mg/L. Colonoscopy shows active pancolitis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Abdominal pain with colitis.
Good Documentation Example
Severe cramping (8/10) in left lower quadrant, correlating with active ulcerative proctosigmoiditis on colonoscopy.
Explanation
The good example provides specific pain details and correlates with diagnostic findings.

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

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