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ICD-10 Coding for Painless Rectal Bleeding(K62.5)

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

Also known as:

Asymptomatic Rectal HemorrhageBright Red Blood Per Rectum

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Painless Rectal Bleeding

K60-K64Primary Range

Diseases of the anus and rectum

Includes codes for rectal bleeding and related anorectal conditions.

Other diseases of intestines

Covers conditions like diverticulosis with bleeding, which may cause rectal bleeding.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for painless rectal bleeding

Essential facts and insights about Painless Rectal Bleeding

The ICD-10 code for painless rectal bleeding is K62.5, used when there is no identified source like hemorrhoids.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for painless rectal bleeding

Hemorrhage of rectum and anus
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of bright red blood without pain or other symptoms

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit documentation of bleeding as painless and without identified source

Applicable To

  • Painless rectal bleeding
  • Bright red blood per rectum

Excludes

  • Hemorrhoids with bleeding (K64.8)
  • Anal fissure with bleeding (K60.3)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Bright red blood separate from stool
  • Normal hemoglobin levels (>12 g/dL)
  • No abdominal pain or weight loss

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if hemorrhoids are present but not the source of bleeding.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'painless' and 'separate from stool' to support K62.5.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other fecal abnormalities

R19.5
Use when stool characteristics are documented but no active bleeding is observed.

Differential Codes

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

Hemorrhoids with bleeding

K64.8
Use if hemorrhoids are confirmed as the source of bleeding.

Diverticulosis with bleeding

K57.31
Use if diverticulosis is confirmed as the source of bleeding.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Painless Rectal Bleeding to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K62.5.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect diagnosis and treatment., Regulatory: Potential for audit and compliance issues., Financial: Incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Thorough examination and documentation, Provider queries for clarification

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and lower reimbursement., Compliance: Could result in coding errors and potential audits., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of clinical data and patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Query the provider to confirm the source of bleeding.

Impact

Using K62.5 without confirming the absence of other sources.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation and provider confirmation.

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 Painless Rectal Bleeding, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Painless Rectal Bleeding

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

Painless rectal bleeding without identified source

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Patient history of bleeding
  • Physical examination findings
  • Laboratory results

Example Documentation

Patient reports painless bright red blood on toilet paper for 2 weeks. No weight loss, abdominal pain, or change in bowel habits. Hemoglobin stable at 13.2 g/dL.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Rectal bleeding noted.
Good Documentation Example
Painless bright red blood on toilet paper x3 days, no anal pain. Hemoglobin 13.2 g/dL. No hemorrhoids or fissures on exam.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the bleeding and rules out other causes.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Painless Rectal Bleeding? Ask your questions below.

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