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ICD-10 Coding for Colonic Diverticula(K57.30, K57.32)

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

Also known as:

Diverticular DiseaseDiverticulosisDiverticulitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Colonic Diverticula

K57Primary Range

Diverticular disease of intestine

This range includes codes for diverticulosis and diverticulitis, specifying location and complications.

Other specified congenital malformations of intestine

Used for congenital cases of diverticula.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K57.30Diverticulosis of large intestine without perforation or abscessUse when diverticulosis is found without signs of inflammation or complications.
  • Colonoscopy findings of diverticula without inflammation
K57.32Diverticulitis of large intestine without perforation or abscessUse when diverticulitis is confirmed without perforation or abscess.
  • CT scan showing wall thickening and inflammation

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 colonic diverticulitis

Essential facts and insights about Colonic Diverticula

The ICD-10 code for colonic diverticulitis without perforation or abscess is K57.32. For cases with complications, such as perforation, use K57.21.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for colonic diverticula

Diverticulosis of large intestine without perforation or abscess
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of diverticula without inflammation

Applicable To

  • Asymptomatic diverticulosis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Colonoscopy findings of diverticula without inflammation

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if inflammation is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies absence of inflammation.

Ancillary Codes

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

Left lower quadrant pain

R10.31
Use to document pain location when diverticulosis is asymptomatic.

Peritonitis, unspecified

K65.9
Use if peritoneal signs are present.

Differential Codes

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

Polyp of colon

K63.5
Polyps are mucosal growths without diverticular architecture.

Diverticulitis of large intestine with perforation and abscess

K57.21
Presence of perforation or abscess on imaging.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Colonic Diverticula to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K57.30.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or incorrect reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates, Review imaging and lab results

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases specificity of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes like K57.30 or K57.32 based on documented details.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of complications can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Use detailed templates and verify imaging reports.

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

Documentation Templates for Colonic Diverticula

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

Acute Diverticulitis

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Location of diverticula
  • Presence of inflammation
  • Imaging findings

Example Documentation

Assessment: Acute diverticulitis of sigmoid colon. CT shows 6mm wall thickening, no abscess.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Diverticulitis noted.
Good Documentation Example
Acute diverticulitis of sigmoid colon with 6mm wall thickening, no abscess.
Explanation
The good example specifies location and imaging findings, improving clarity.

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

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