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ICD-10 Coding for History of Colitis(K51.90, Z87.19)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for History of Colitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Ulcerative Colitis HistoryResolved ColitisColitis in Remission

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Colitis

K50-K52Primary Range

Noninfective enteritis and colitis

This range includes codes for active ulcerative colitis and other forms of colitis.

Personal history of other diseases of the digestive system

Used for documenting history of colitis post-curative surgery.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K51.90Ulcerative colitis, unspecified, without complicationsUse when ulcerative colitis is in remission without surgical intervention.
  • Colonoscopy findings showing no active disease
  • CRP and ESR within normal limits
Z87.19Personal history of other diseases of the digestive systemUse when the patient has undergone curative surgery for colitis.
  • Documentation of total colectomy
  • No active disease post-surgery

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 history of colitis

Essential facts and insights about History of Colitis

The ICD-10 code for history of colitis post-surgery is Z87.19. Use K51.- for colitis in remission without surgery.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for history of colitis

Ulcerative colitis, unspecified, without complications
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient is in remission without surgical history.

documentation Criteria

  • Colonoscopy confirms remission.

Applicable To

  • Ulcerative colitis in remission

Excludes

  • Crohn's disease (K50.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Colonoscopy findings showing no active disease
  • CRP and ESR within normal limits

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as history when no surgery has occurred.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies remission status and absence of surgery.

Ancillary Codes

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

Diarrhea, unspecified

R19.7
Use if diarrhea is a persistent symptom.

Follow-up examination after treatment for conditions other than malignant neoplasms

Z09
Use for follow-up visits post-surgery.

Differential Codes

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

Crohn's disease, unspecified, without complications

K50.90
Biopsy showing granulomas and skip lesions.

Ulcerative colitis, unspecified, without complications

K51.90
Active disease or remission without surgery.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Colitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K51.90.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient status., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Financial: Potential reimbursement issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Clarify remission status or surgical history., Educate providers on documentation standards.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use K51.- with remission status.

Impact

Using Z87.19 without surgical confirmation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation of surgical history before coding.

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 History of Colitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for History of Colitis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for History of Colitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Post-surgical follow-up for ulcerative colitis

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Surgical history
  • Current symptoms
  • Follow-up plan

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
History of colitis.
Good Documentation Example
Status post total colectomy for ulcerative colitis, no recurrence.
Explanation
The good example specifies surgical history and current status.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for History of Colitis? Ask your questions below.

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