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ICD-10 Coding for Collagenous Colitis(K52.831)

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

Also known as:

Microscopic ColitisChronic Watery Diarrhea

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Collagenous Colitis

K52.8-K52.9Primary Range

Other specified noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis

This range includes specific codes for collagenous colitis and other related conditions.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for collagenous colitis

Essential facts and insights about Collagenous Colitis

The ICD-10 code for collagenous colitis is K52.831, confirmed by biopsy with specific histological findings.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for collagenous colitis

Collagenous colitis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Biopsy confirms subepithelial collagen band ≥10μm

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed histological findings documented

Applicable To

  • Collagenous colitis confirmed by biopsy

Excludes

  • Lymphocytic colitis (K52.832)
  • Ulcerative colitis (K51.-)
  • Crohn's disease (K50.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Biopsy showing subepithelial collagen band ≥10μm
  • Intraepithelial lymphocytes >20/100 epithelial cells
  • Normal colonoscopy findings

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as unspecified colitis (K52.9)
  • Confusion with lymphocytic colitis

Coding Notes

  • Ensure biopsy confirmation before coding as K52.831.

Ancillary Codes

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

Diarrhea, unspecified

R19.7
Use when chronic watery diarrhea is present without specific diagnosis.

Differential Codes

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

Lymphocytic colitis

K52.832
Absence of collagen band >10μm, presence of intraepithelial lymphocytes

Crohn's disease

K50.xx
Presence of granulomas or transmural inflammation

Ulcerative colitis

K51.xx
Continuous inflammation with crypt abscesses

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Collagenous Colitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K52.831.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify collagenous or lymphocytic subtype, Review biopsy reports for specific findings

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to lower reimbursement., Compliance: Potential for audit due to lack of specificity., Data Quality: Impacts accuracy of clinical data and research.

Mitigation Strategy

Use K52.831 only with biopsy confirmation.

Impact

Risk of audits due to non-specific coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure biopsy confirmation and detailed documentation.

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

Documentation Templates for Collagenous Colitis

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

Initial Diagnosis

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Patient history of diarrhea
  • Colonoscopy findings
  • Biopsy results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with chronic watery diarrhea. Colonoscopy normal. Biopsy shows subepithelial collagen band 12μm. Diagnosis: Collagenous colitis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has diarrhea; biopsy shows colitis.
Good Documentation Example
Chronic watery diarrhea for 12 weeks. Colonoscopy normal. Biopsy: subepithelial collagen band 12μm, intraepithelial lymphocytes 25/100 cells.
Explanation
The good example provides specific histological findings and duration of symptoms.

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

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