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ICD-10 Coding for History of Small Bowel Obstruction(Z87.19)

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

Also known as:

History of SBOResolved Small Bowel Obstruction

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Small Bowel Obstruction

Z87.19Primary Range

Personal history of other diseases of the digestive system

Used for documenting a resolved small bowel obstruction not actively treated during the encounter.

Adhesions with obstruction

Used when prior SBO was caused by adhesions still present.

Partial/Complete obstruction

Used only for active obstructions.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for history of small bowel obstruction

Essential facts and insights about History of Small Bowel Obstruction

The ICD-10 code for a history of small bowel obstruction is Z87.19.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for history of small bowel obstruction

Personal history of other diseases of the digestive system
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must explicitly state 'history of small bowel obstruction'.

Applicable To

  • History of small bowel obstruction

Excludes

  • Current small bowel obstruction

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Explicit documentation of 'history of small bowel obstruction'
  • Past imaging reports or surgical notes confirming resolved SBO

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing personal history with a current condition

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states 'history of' to avoid confusion with active conditions.

Ancillary Codes

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

Adhesions with obstruction

K56.50
Use if adhesions are still present and relevant to the patient's condition.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified intestinal obstruction

K56.690
Used for active cases of intestinal obstruction, not history.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Small Bowel Obstruction to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z87.19.

Impact

Clinical: Misinterpretation of patient condition as active., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate clinicians on documentation standards., Implement documentation templates.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Use Z87.19 for history of small bowel obstruction.

Impact

Using active obstruction codes for historical cases.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coding staff on proper use of Z87.19 for history.

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 Small Bowel Obstruction, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for History of Small Bowel Obstruction

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

Routine follow-up for resolved SBO

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Current symptoms
  • Imaging review
  • Assessment
  • Plan

Example Documentation

Patient with history of complete SBO in 2023 due to adhesions, currently asymptomatic. No evidence of recurrence on CT.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient had SBO before.
Good Documentation Example
Patient with history of SBO due to adhesions in 2020, currently asymptomatic.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the cause and current status of the SBO.

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