ICD-10 Coding for Diverticulosis of Sigmoid Colon(K57.30, K57.32)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Diverticulosis 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 Diverticulosis of Sigmoid Colon
K57.3-K57.33Primary Range
Diverticular disease of intestine, part unspecified, with or without perforation and abscess
This range includes codes specific to diverticulosis and diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon, with or 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| K57.30 | Diverticulosis of large intestine without perforation or abscess | Use when diverticulosis is present in the sigmoid colon without any complications such as perforation or abscess. |
|
| K57.32 | Diverticulitis of large intestine without perforation or abscess | Use when diverticulitis is confirmed in the sigmoid colon without 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 diverticulosis of sigmoid colon
Essential facts and insights about Diverticulosis of Sigmoid Colon
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for diverticulosis sigmoid colon
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- No signs of inflammation or abscess in imaging
Applicable To
- Diverticulosis of sigmoid colon without complications
Excludes
- Diverticulitis of sigmoid colon (K57.32)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Colonoscopy or imaging showing diverticula without signs of inflammation
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding as K57.90 when sigmoid location is specified
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'sigmoid colon' to avoid unspecified coding.
K57.32 - Diverticulitis of large intestine without perforation or abscess
Use when diverticulitis is confirmed in the sigmoid colon without perforation or abscess.
Applicable To
- Acute diverticulitis of sigmoid colon
Excludes
- Diverticulosis without inflammation (K57.30)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- CT scan showing wall thickening and fat stranding
- Elevated CRP and leukocytosis
Coding Notes
Ensure inflammation is documented to differentiate from diverticulosis.
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 Diverticulosis of Sigmoid Colon to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K57.30.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate treatment plans, Regulatory: Potential for audit issues, Financial: Loss of reimbursement opportunities
Mitigation Strategy
Thorough documentation of all findings, Regular training on documentation standards
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates, Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements, Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify the location as 'sigmoid colon' when documented.
Impact
Audits may focus on whether the location of diverticulosis is specified.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all documentation specifies 'sigmoid colon' when applicable.
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 Diverticulosis of Sigmoid Colon, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Diverticulosis of Sigmoid Colon
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Diverticulosis of Sigmoid Colon. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute Diverticulitis Presentation
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Physical examination findings
- Imaging results
- Lab results
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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