ICD-10 Coding for Crohn's Disease(K50.011, K50.112, K50.813)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Crohn's Disease. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Crohn's Disease
K50.00-K50.91Primary Range
Crohn's disease codes categorized by location and complications
This range includes all ICD-10-CM codes for Crohn's disease, specifying anatomical location and presence of complications.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K50.011 | Crohn's disease of small intestine with rectal bleeding | Use when Crohn's affects the small intestine and is accompanied by rectal bleeding. |
|
| K50.112 | Crohn's disease of large intestine with intestinal obstruction | Use when Crohn's affects the large intestine and causes obstruction. |
|
| K50.813 | Crohn's disease of both small and large intestine with perianal fistula | Use when Crohn's affects both intestines and is complicated by a perianal fistula. |
|
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 Crohn's disease with rectal bleeding
Essential facts and insights about Crohn's Disease
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for crohns disease
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of rectal bleeding with ileal inflammation
Applicable To
- Active Crohn's ileitis with hematochezia
Excludes
- Ulcerative colitis (K51.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Endoscopic evidence of ileal inflammation
- Documentation of rectal bleeding
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if bleeding is not documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies both location and presence of bleeding.
K50.112 - Crohn's disease of large intestine with intestinal obstruction
Use when Crohn's affects the large intestine and causes obstruction.
Applicable To
- Colonic Crohn's with obstructive symptoms
Excludes
- Intestinal obstruction without Crohn's (K56.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging showing colonic stricture
- Symptoms of obstruction
Coding Notes
Ensure obstruction is documented as related to Crohn's.
K50.813 - Crohn's disease of both small and large intestine with perianal fistula
Use when Crohn's affects both intestines and is complicated by a perianal fistula.
Applicable To
- Pancolonic and ileal Crohn's with rectovaginal fistula
Excludes
- Fistula without Crohn's (K60.3)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- MRI showing fistula tract
- Endoscopic evidence of Crohn's in both intestines
Coding Notes
Document both intestinal involvement and fistula presence.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Partial intestinal obstruction
K56.690Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Crohn's Disease to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K50.011.
Impact
Clinical: Inadequate treatment planning, Regulatory: Potential audit issues, Financial: Loss of reimbursement for higher severity cases
Mitigation Strategy
Use structured templates to ensure all complications are documented
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to lack of specificity, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation
Mitigation Strategy
Always use the most specific code available based on documentation.
Impact
Audits may target unspecified codes when specific locations are documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Train coders to always use the most specific code available.
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 Crohn's Disease, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Crohn's Disease
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Crohn's Disease. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Crohn's disease with complications
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- Anatomical location
- Disease activity
- Complications
- Diagnostic findings
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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