ICD-10 Coding for Diverticulitis of Sigmoid Colon(K57.32, K57.33)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Diverticulitis of Sigmoid Colon. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Diverticulitis of Sigmoid Colon
K57.3-K57.33Primary Range
Diverticular disease of large intestine
This range includes codes for diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon, both with and without 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| K57.32 | Diverticulitis of large intestine without perforation or abscess | Use when imaging confirms diverticulitis without complications. |
|
| K57.33 | Diverticulitis of large intestine with perforation and abscess | Use when imaging confirms perforation or abscess. |
|
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 diverticulitis of sigmoid colon
Essential facts and insights about Diverticulitis of Sigmoid Colon
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for diverticulitis of sigmoid colon
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Absence of perforation or abscess on imaging
Applicable To
- Acute diverticulitis of sigmoid colon without perforation or abscess
Excludes
- Diverticulitis of small intestine (K57.10)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- CT scan showing sigmoid wall thickening without perforation or abscess
- WBC count within normal range
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if complications are present but not documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure imaging findings support the absence of perforation or abscess.
K57.33 - Diverticulitis of large intestine with perforation and abscess
Use when imaging confirms perforation or abscess.
Applicable To
- Acute diverticulitis of sigmoid colon with perforation and abscess
Excludes
- Diverticulitis of small intestine with perforation (K57.11)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- CT scan showing perforation or abscess
- Elevated WBC count
Coding Notes
Document specific complications to justify the use of this code.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential 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 Diverticulitis of Sigmoid Colon to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K57.32.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to vague clinical records., Regulatory: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify location and complications, Review imaging reports thoroughly
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement due to under-coding., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure imaging and clinical notes confirm absence of abscess before using K57.32.
Impact
High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used for specific conditions.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation includes specific details on location and complications.
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 Diverticulitis of Sigmoid Colon, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Diverticulitis of Sigmoid Colon
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Diverticulitis of Sigmoid Colon. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute sigmoid diverticulitis with abscess
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- Patient symptoms
- Imaging findings
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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