Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Lymphocytic Colitis(K52.832)

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

Also known as:

Microscopic Colitis - Lymphocytic Type

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Lymphocytic Colitis

K52.8Primary Range

Other specified noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis

This range includes specific types of noninfective colitis, including lymphocytic colitis.

Toxic gastroenteritis and colitis

Relevant when colitis is induced by medications such as NSAIDs or PPIs.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for lymphocytic colitis

Essential facts and insights about Lymphocytic Colitis

The ICD-10 code for lymphocytic colitis is K52.832, used when biopsy confirms lymphocytic infiltration.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for lymphocytic colitis

Lymphocytic colitis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Biopsy confirms lymphocytic infiltration.

coding Criteria

  • Use K52.832 as primary unless drug-induced.

Applicable To

  • Lymphocytic infiltration in lamina propria

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Biopsy showing ≥20 intraepithelial lymphocytes per 100 epithelial cells
  • Normal colonoscopy findings
  • Exclusion of infectious causes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification with collagenous colitis
  • Incorrect use without biopsy confirmation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure biopsy confirmation is documented to support the use of K52.832.

Ancillary Codes

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

Diarrhea, unspecified

R19.7
Use for documenting chronic diarrhea if present.

Differential Codes

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

Collagenous colitis

K52.831
Presence of a thickened subepithelial collagen band on biopsy.

Other specified noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis

K52.89
No intraepithelial lymphocytosis on biopsy.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Lymphocytic Colitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K52.832.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to lack of supporting documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always review and document medication history., Query for clarification if drug-induced colitis is suspected.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Query provider for specific type of colitis based on biopsy.

Impact

Lack of biopsy confirmation for lymphocytic colitis coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure biopsy reports are included in patient records and claims.

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

Documentation Templates for Lymphocytic Colitis

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

Chronic diarrhea with biopsy-confirmed lymphocytic colitis

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Medication review
  • Colonoscopy results
  • Biopsy findings

Example Documentation

68F with 8-week history of nonbloody watery diarrhea. Colonoscopy: normal mucosa. Biopsy: >25 intraepithelial lymphocytes/100 epithelial cells. Dx: Lymphocytic colitis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Colitis diagnosis without biopsy details.
Good Documentation Example
Lymphocytic colitis confirmed by biopsy showing >20 intraepithelial lymphocytes/100 epithelial cells.
Explanation
The good example specifies the biopsy findings, confirming the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Lymphocytic Colitis? 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