ICD-10 Coding for Mesenteric Ischemia(K55.0, K55.1, K55.9)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Mesenteric Ischemia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Mesenteric Ischemia
K55.0-K55.9Primary Range
ICD-10 codes for mesenteric ischemia, including acute, chronic, and unspecified types
This range covers all forms of mesenteric ischemia, which is critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment coding.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K55.0 | Acute vascular disorders of intestine | Use when acute mesenteric ischemia is confirmed by clinical and imaging findings. |
|
| K55.1 | Chronic vascular disorders of intestine | Use for chronic mesenteric ischemia confirmed by clinical history and imaging. |
|
| K55.9 | Vascular disorder of intestine, unspecified | Use when mesenteric ischemia is suspected but not specified as acute or chronic. |
|
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 acute mesenteric ischemia
Essential facts and insights about Mesenteric Ischemia
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for mesenteric ischemia
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of acute abdominal pain and imaging confirmation
Applicable To
- Acute mesenteric ischemia
Excludes
- Chronic mesenteric ischemia (K55.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Sudden-onset abdominal pain
- Elevated lactate levels
- CTA showing SMA occlusion
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification as chronic ischemia
Coding Notes
- Ensure to document the cause and specify acute vs. chronic.
K55.1 - Chronic vascular disorders of intestine
Use for chronic mesenteric ischemia confirmed by clinical history and imaging.
Applicable To
- Chronic mesenteric ischemia
Excludes
- Acute mesenteric ischemia (K55.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Postprandial abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Mesenteric artery stenosis on imaging
Coding Notes
Document chronicity and underlying cause clearly.
K55.9 - Vascular disorder of intestine, unspecified
Use when mesenteric ischemia is suspected but not specified as acute or chronic.
Applicable To
- Mesenteric ischemia, NOS
Clinical Validation Requirements
- General abdominal pain
- No specific imaging findings
Coding Notes
Use only when further specification is not possible.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Mesenteric Ischemia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K55.0.
Impact
Clinical: Inadequate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement
Mitigation Strategy
Always document the cause if known, Use ancillary codes appropriately
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment affecting payment, Compliance: Potential for audit issues, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient care
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies the time course and clinical findings.
Impact
Risk of audits due to unspecified coding of mesenteric ischemia.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure detailed documentation and use of specific codes.
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 Mesenteric Ischemia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Mesenteric Ischemia
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Mesenteric Ischemia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute Mesenteric Ischemia in Emergency Department
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Imaging results
- Lab findings
- Diagnosis
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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