ICD-10 Coding for Ischemic Bowel(K55.01, K55.02, K55.059)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Ischemic Bowel. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Ischemic Bowel
K55.0-K55.9Primary Range
Vascular disorders of intestine
This range includes codes for acute and chronic ischemic conditions of the bowel.
Embolism and thrombosis of mesenteric artery
This code is used when mesenteric artery embolism is the underlying cause of ischemic bowel.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K55.01 | Acute vascular disorders of intestine, small intestine | Use when acute ischemia of the small intestine is confirmed by imaging. |
|
| K55.02 | Acute infarction of intestine | Use when there is confirmed necrosis or infarction of the bowel. |
|
| K55.059 | Acute vascular disorders of intestine, unspecified | Use when the specific segment of ischemia is not documented. |
|
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 ischemic bowel
Essential facts and insights about Ischemic Bowel
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for ischemic bowel
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Acute onset of abdominal pain with imaging confirmation
Applicable To
- Acute ischemia of jejunum
- Acute ischemia of ileum
Excludes
- Chronic mesenteric ischemia (K55.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Sudden-onset abdominal pain
- CT angiography showing mural thickening
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification as chronic ischemia
- Failure to specify the segment of the intestine
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies acute onset and imaging findings.
K55.02 - Acute infarction of intestine
Use when there is confirmed necrosis or infarction of the bowel.
Applicable To
- Transmural necrosis
- Bowel infarction
Excludes
- Peritonitis (K65.8)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Operative findings of gangrene
- Pathology report confirming necrosis
Coding Notes
Document necrosis and infarction clearly in operative and pathology reports.
K55.059 - Acute vascular disorders of intestine, unspecified
Use when the specific segment of ischemia is not documented.
Applicable To
- Acute ischemic bowel, unspecified part
Excludes
- Chronic mesenteric ischemia (K55.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- General symptoms of ischemia without specific location
- Imaging or clinical findings not specifying the segment
Coding Notes
Encourage specificity in documentation to avoid using unspecified codes.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Embolism and thrombosis of mesenteric artery
I74.3Differential 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 Ischemic Bowel to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K55.01.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit and compliance issues., Financial: Can result in lower reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all imaging results are included in the patient's record., Train staff on the importance of detailed documentation.
Impact
Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Increases risk of audit for unspecified coding., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies the segment of the bowel affected.
Impact
High risk of audit when unspecified codes are used despite available specificity.
Mitigation Strategy
Encourage detailed documentation and regular audits of coding practices.
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 Ischemic Bowel, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Ischemic Bowel
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Ischemic Bowel. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute Abdominal Pain
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- History of present illness
- Imaging results
- Operative findings
- Pathology report
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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