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ICD-10 Coding for Perforated Duodenal Ulcer(K26.1, K26.5)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Perforated Duodenal Ulcer. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Duodenal Ulcer with PerforationPerforated Peptic Ulcer

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Perforated Duodenal Ulcer

K26.0-K26.9Primary Range

Duodenal ulcer codes covering various complications

This range includes codes for duodenal ulcers with different complications such as hemorrhage, perforation, and combinations thereof.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K26.1Acute duodenal ulcer with perforationUse when the ulcer is acute and perforation is confirmed.
  • Sudden onset epigastric pain
  • Imaging confirming free air (CT)
  • Operative findings of perforation
K26.5Chronic or unspecified duodenal ulcer with perforationUse when the ulcer is chronic or acuity is not specified.
  • History of PUD
  • Gradual symptom progression
  • Endoscopic evidence of chronic mucosal changes

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 perforated duodenal ulcer

Essential facts and insights about Perforated Duodenal Ulcer

The ICD-10 code for an acute perforated duodenal ulcer is K26.1, while K26.5 is used for chronic or unspecified cases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for perforated duodenal ulcer

Acute duodenal ulcer with perforation
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Acute onset with imaging confirmation

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'acute' and 'perforation'

Applicable To

  • Acute perforated duodenal ulcer

Excludes

  • Chronic duodenal ulcer with perforation (K26.5)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Sudden onset epigastric pain
  • Imaging confirming free air (CT)
  • Operative findings of perforation

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as chronic if acuity is not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'acute' to avoid defaulting to chronic codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

H. pylori infection

B96.81
Use if H. pylori is confirmed by biopsy or breath test.

Alcohol dependence with withdrawal

F10.231
Use if alcohol dependence is documented.

Differential Codes

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

Perforated peptic ulcer, site unspecified

K27.3
Use only if the specific site of the ulcer is not documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Perforated Duodenal Ulcer to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K26.1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement due to incorrect DRG assignment.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on documentation requirements, Implement checklist for ulcer documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to improper DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: May result in compliance issues if coding does not match documentation., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of clinical data and patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies whether the ulcer is acute or chronic.

Impact

Failure to document acuity can lead to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement documentation audits and provider education.

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 Perforated Duodenal Ulcer, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Perforated Duodenal Ulcer

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Perforated Duodenal Ulcer. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Acute Perforated Duodenal Ulcer

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Imaging findings
  • Operative details

Example Documentation

48M with sudden-onset severe epigastric pain. CT shows pneumoperitoneum. Laparotomy confirmed duodenal perforation.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient with abdominal pain and ulcer.
Good Documentation Example
Patient with acute perforated duodenal ulcer confirmed by CT and surgery.
Explanation
The good example specifies acuity and confirms perforation with diagnostic evidence.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Perforated Duodenal Ulcer? Ask your questions below.

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