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ICD-10 Coding for Pelvic Adhesions(N73.6, O65.5)

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

Also known as:

Pelvic Scar TissuePelvic Adhesive Disease

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Pelvic Adhesions

N73-N73.6Primary Range

Female pelvic inflammatory disorders

This range includes codes for pelvic adhesions, specifically N73.6, which is used for female pelvic peritoneal adhesions.

Obstructed labor due to abnormality of maternal pelvic organs

O65.5 is used when pelvic adhesions complicate labor or delivery, such as during a cesarean section.

Other disorders of peritoneum

K66.0 is used for peritoneal adhesions when 'pelvic' is not specified in the documentation.

Postprocedural disorders of genitourinary system

N99.4 is used for postprocedural pelvic adhesions, such as those following surgery.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
N73.6Female pelvic peritoneal adhesions (postinfective)Use when adhesions are documented as pelvic and postinfective.
  • Laparoscopic findings of pelvic adhesions
  • Imaging showing adhesions in pelvic region
O65.5Obstructed labor due to pelvic adhesionsUse when adhesions are documented as complicating labor or delivery.
  • Operative report indicating adhesions during cesarean section

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 pelvic adhesions

Essential facts and insights about Pelvic Adhesions

The ICD-10 code for pelvic adhesions is N73.6, which requires documentation specifying 'pelvic'.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for pelvic adhesions

Female pelvic peritoneal adhesions (postinfective)
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must specify 'pelvic' adhesions.

Applicable To

  • Pelvic adhesions
  • Postinfective pelvic peritoneal adhesions

Excludes

  • Postprocedural adhesions (N99.4)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Laparoscopic findings of pelvic adhesions
  • Imaging showing adhesions in pelvic region

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as K66.0 without 'pelvic' specification

Coding Notes

  • Ensure 'pelvic' is specified in documentation to use N73.6.

Ancillary Codes

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

Obstructed labor due to pelvic adhesions

O65.5
Use in conjunction with N73.6 when adhesions complicate labor.

Differential Codes

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

Peritoneal adhesions (general)

K66.0
Use K66.0 when 'pelvic' is not specified in the documentation.

Postprocedural pelvic adhesions

N99.4
Use N99.4 for adhesions following surgical procedures.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Pelvic Adhesions to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code N73.6.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of condition severity, Regulatory: Potential audit issues, Financial: Incorrect reimbursement

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates that prompt for specific location, Educate staff on documentation importance

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to incorrect code, Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'pelvic' to use N73.6.

Impact

Risk of audits due to non-specific documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation specifies 'pelvic' when applicable.

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 Pelvic Adhesions, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Pelvic Adhesions

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

Laparoscopic lysis of pelvic adhesions

Specialty: Gynecology

Required Elements

  • Preoperative diagnosis
  • Operative findings
  • Procedure details
  • Postoperative diagnosis

Example Documentation

Preoperative Diagnosis: Chronic pelvic pain due to adhesions. Findings: Dense adhesions between uterus and bowel. Procedure: Laparoscopic lysis of adhesions.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Adhesions noted.
Good Documentation Example
Dense pelvic adhesions between uterus and sigmoid colon requiring sharp dissection.
Explanation
The good example specifies location and type of adhesions, crucial for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Pelvic Adhesions? Ask your questions below.

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