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ICD-10 Coding for Intussusception(K56.1, K91.30)

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

Also known as:

Bowel obstruction due to intussusceptionIntestinal intussusception

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Intussusception

K56-K56.9Primary Range

Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia

This range includes codes for various types of intestinal obstructions, including intussusception.

Intraoperative and postprocedural complications and disorders of digestive system

Relevant for coding postoperative intussusception.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K56.1IntussusceptionUse when intussusception is confirmed by imaging and is the primary reason for the encounter.
  • Ultrasound showing 'target sign'
  • CT scan with 'bowel-within-bowel' appearance
K91.30Postoperative intestinal obstructionUse when intussusception is a complication following surgery.
  • History of recent abdominal surgery
  • Imaging confirming obstruction at surgical site

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 intussusception

Essential facts and insights about Intussusception

The ICD-10 code for intussusception is K56.1, used for confirmed cases with imaging evidence.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for intussusception

Intussusception
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of 'target sign' on ultrasound

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed note specifying type and confirmation method

Applicable To

  • Ileocolic intussusception
  • Enteroenteric intussusception

Excludes

  • Postoperative intussusception (K91.30)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Ultrasound showing 'target sign'
  • CT scan with 'bowel-within-bowel' appearance

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misidentifying the type of intussusception
  • Omitting imaging confirmation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure imaging confirmation is documented to support the use of K56.1.

Ancillary Codes

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

Postoperative intestinal obstruction

K91.30
Use when intussusception occurs post-surgery.

Differential Codes

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

Other intestinal obstruction

K56.69
Use when obstruction is present but intussusception is not confirmed.

Intussusception

K56.1
Use K56.1 as secondary when postoperative complication is primary.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Intussusception to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K56.1.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include imaging results in documentation., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denial of claims without proper documentation., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure ultrasound or CT confirmation is documented.

Impact

Lack of imaging confirmation in records.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory imaging documentation checks.

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

Documentation Templates for Intussusception

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

Pediatric Intussusception

Specialty: Pediatrics

Required Elements

  • Patient age and symptoms
  • Imaging findings
  • Treatment method

Example Documentation

6-month-old male with episodic crying and currant-jelly stools. Ultrasound shows ileocolic intussusception. Air enema reduction successful.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Abdominal pain, possible intussusception.
Good Documentation Example
6-month-old with abdominal pain and currant-jelly stools. Ultrasound confirms ileocolic intussusception with target sign.
Explanation
The good example provides specific imaging confirmation and symptom details.

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

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