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ICD-10 Coding for Colovaginal Fistula(N82.3)

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

Also known as:

Vaginal Fistula to ColonRectovaginal Fistula

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Colovaginal Fistula

N82-N82.9Primary Range

Fistulae involving female genital tract

This range includes codes for fistulae involving the vagina and other parts of the female genital tract.

Diverticular disease of intestine

Relevant when the fistula is due to diverticulitis.

Complications of surgical and medical care

Used when the fistula is a complication of surgery.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for colovaginal fistula

Essential facts and insights about Colovaginal Fistula

The ICD-10 code for colovaginal fistula is N82.3, used for fistulas between the vagina and large intestine.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for colovaginal fistula

Fistula of vagina to large intestine
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Fistula tract confirmed between vagina and large intestine.

documentation Criteria

  • Documented history of prior hysterectomy or diverticulitis.

Applicable To

  • Rectovaginal fistula involving colon

Excludes

  • Fistula of intestine (K63.2)
  • Vesicointestinal fistula (N32.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Fistula tract visualized between sigmoid colon/descending colon and vaginal apex
  • Passage of stool/flatus per vagina
  • Prior hysterectomy

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as K63.2 without genital tract involvement.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the exact anatomical location and etiology of the fistula.

Ancillary Codes

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

Diverticulitis of large intestine with fistula

K57.32
Use when diverticulitis is the underlying cause of the fistula.

Fistula as complication of surgery

Y83.51
Use when the fistula develops as a complication of surgery.

Differential Codes

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

Fistula of intestine

K63.2
Use K63.2 when the fistula does not involve the genital tract.

Vesicointestinal fistula

N32.1
Use N32.1 for fistulas between the bladder and intestine.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Colovaginal Fistula to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N82.3.

Impact

Clinical: May affect treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the cause of the fistula.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Confirm genital tract involvement in operative report.

Impact

Missing details on fistula location or etiology.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement thorough documentation checklists.

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

Documentation Templates for Colovaginal Fistula

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

Gynecology Progress Note

Specialty: Gynecology

Required Elements

  • Speculum exam findings
  • Imaging results
  • Surgical history

Example Documentation

Speculum exam reveals 5mm fistulous opening at left vaginal apex with active stool passage.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Vaginal discharge present.
Good Documentation Example
Malodorous vaginal discharge with particulate stool material at left vaginal apex.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the discharge and its location, aiding in accurate coding.

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

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