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ICD-10 Coding for Ogilvie Syndrome(K59.81)

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

Also known as:

Acute Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Ogilvie Syndrome

K59.8-K59.81Primary Range

Other specified functional intestinal disorders

This range includes Ogilvie syndrome as a specific condition under functional intestinal disorders.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for Ogilvie syndrome

Essential facts and insights about Ogilvie Syndrome

The ICD-10 code for Ogilvie syndrome is K59.81, used for acute colonic pseudo-obstruction without mechanical blockage.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for ogilvie syndrome

Ogilvie syndrome
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Colonic dilation >9 cm without mechanical obstruction

coding Criteria

  • Use K59.81 when pseudo-obstruction is confirmed

documentation Criteria

  • Document imaging findings and absence of mechanical causes

Applicable To

  • Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction

Excludes

  • Mechanical bowel obstruction (K56.609)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Colonic dilation >9 cm on imaging
  • Absence of mechanical obstruction confirmed by imaging

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with mechanical obstruction codes
  • Missing underlying conditions

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies absence of mechanical obstruction and includes imaging findings.

Ancillary Codes

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

Hypokalemia

E87.6
Use when hypokalemia is present as a complication of Ogilvie syndrome.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified intestinal obstruction

K56.609
Use when mechanical obstruction is suspected but not confirmed.

Paralytic ileus

K56.0
Use when ileus is confirmed, typically involving the small bowel.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Ogilvie Syndrome to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K59.81.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis risk, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential reimbursement issues

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure imaging reports are included, Clarify diagnosis in clinical notes

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation

Mitigation Strategy

Confirm pseudo-obstruction and use K59.81

Impact

Using unspecified obstruction codes for confirmed Ogilvie syndrome

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on differentiation criteria and documentation requirements

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

Documentation Templates for Ogilvie Syndrome

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

Postoperative Ogilvie Syndrome

Specialty: Surgery

Required Elements

  • Diagnosis of Ogilvie syndrome
  • Imaging findings
  • Cecal diameter
  • Absence of mechanical obstruction

Example Documentation

Assessment: Ogilvie syndrome (K59.81). Findings: Postoperative day 3, cecal diameter 10 cm on abdominal X-ray. No evidence of adhesions or mechanical obstruction on CT. Management: Neostigmine 2 mg IV administered.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Colonic distension, rule out obstruction.
Good Documentation Example
Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (cecum 11 cm) confirmed by CT; no mass, volvulus, or stricture identified.
Explanation
The good example specifies the diagnosis, imaging confirmation, and absence of mechanical causes.

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

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