Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Intestinal Obstruction(K56.609, K56.691, K91.32)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Intestinal Obstruction. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Bowel ObstructionGastrointestinal Obstruction

Quick Navigation

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Intestinal Obstruction

K56.0-K56.7Primary Range

Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia

This range includes codes for various types of intestinal obstructions, both mechanical and non-mechanical.

K91.3

Postprocedural intestinal obstruction

This range is used for obstructions that occur as complications following surgical procedures.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K56.609Unspecified intestinal obstructionUse when the type of obstruction is not specified in the documentation.
  • Imaging showing dilated loops of bowel
  • Symptoms such as abdominal pain and vomiting
K56.691Complete intestinal obstructionUse when documentation confirms a complete obstruction.
  • CT scan showing transition point with proximal dilation
  • Symptoms of obstipation and severe abdominal pain
K91.32Postprocedural intestinal obstructionUse when obstruction is directly linked to a surgical procedure.
  • Documentation linking obstruction to recent surgery
  • Symptoms consistent with obstruction 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 intestinal obstruction

Essential facts and insights about Intestinal Obstruction

The ICD-10 code for unspecified intestinal obstruction is K56.609. For complete obstruction, use K56.691, and for postoperative obstruction, use K91.32.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for intestinal obstruction

K56.609
Unspecified intestinal obstruction
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must specify 'unspecified obstruction' if no further details are available.

Applicable To

  • Unspecified bowel obstruction

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging showing dilated loops of bowel
  • Symptoms such as abdominal pain and vomiting

Code-Specific Risks

  • Lack of specificity may lead to audit queries.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies if the obstruction is partial or complete.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

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

Acute abdomen

R10.0
Use to capture acute abdominal symptoms when the cause is unclear.

Differential Codes

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

Paralytic ileus

K59.0
Use when there is no mechanical cause and bowel sounds are absent.

Partial intestinal obstruction

K56.690
Use when obstruction is not complete, and some passage of contents is possible.

Unspecified intestinal obstruction

K56.609
Use when no surgical link is documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Intestinal Obstruction to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K56.609.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate clinicians on documentation requirements, Use standardized templates

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on surgical complications.

Mitigation Strategy

Use K91.32 when obstruction is linked to a surgical procedure.

Impact

Risk of incorrect coding if surgical link is not documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of surgical history and link to obstruction.

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

Documentation Templates for Intestinal Obstruction

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

Postoperative Obstruction

Specialty: Surgery

Required Elements

  • Surgical history
  • Link to procedure
  • Imaging findings
  • Clinical symptoms

Example Documentation

Patient presents with bowel obstruction 5 days post-colectomy. CT confirms transition point at surgical site.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Bowel obstruction noted.
Good Documentation Example
Postoperative bowel obstruction due to adhesions from recent colectomy; CT shows transition point.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details linking the obstruction to the surgery, which is necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Intestinal Obstruction? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more

Helpful Links

How ICD 10 AI Lookup WorksContact UsPrivacy Policy