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ICD-10 Coding for Perirectal Abscess(K61.1)

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

Also known as:

Ischiorectal AbscessSupralevator Abscess

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Perirectal Abscess

K61-K61.9Primary Range

Abscess of anal and rectal regions

This range includes codes for various types of abscesses in the anal and rectal regions, including perirectal abscess.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for perirectal abscess

Essential facts and insights about Perirectal Abscess

The ICD-10 code for a perirectal abscess is K61.1, used for ischiorectal abscesses.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for perirectal abscess

Ischiorectal abscess
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of a fluctuant mass in the ischiorectal fossa confirmed by imaging.

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'ischiorectal' or 'perirectal' in the clinical note.

Applicable To

  • Perirectal abscess

Excludes

  • Pilonidal abscess (K61.3)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging confirmation of abscess in ischiorectal fossa
  • Clinical examination showing fluctuant mass

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with pilonidal abscess if location is not specified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the exact location of the abscess to avoid miscoding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Unspecified Escherichia coli [E. coli] as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B96.20
Use when E. coli is identified as the causative organism.

Differential Codes

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

Anal abscess

K61.0
Confined to anal margin, not extending into ischiorectal space.

Pilonidal abscess

K61.3
Located at the natal cleft with hair fragments.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Perirectal Abscess to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K61.1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit discrepancies., Financial: Potential for claim denials or incorrect reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate clinicians on the importance of detailed anatomical documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims or incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Misclassification can result in compliance issues during audits., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of clinical data and patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify the location; perirectal abscess is in the ischiorectal fossa, while pilonidal is at the natal cleft.

Impact

Failure to document the specific location of the abscess can lead to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields in EHR for anatomical location.

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 Perirectal Abscess, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Perirectal Abscess

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

Emergency Department Note

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • History of Present Illness
  • Physical Examination
  • Imaging Results
  • Procedure Details
  • Assessment and Plan

Example Documentation

**HPI**: 32M c/o severe rectal pain x3 days, worsening with sitting. Fever (101.5°F), chills. **Exam**: Tender 3 cm indurated mass in right ischiorectal fossa, fluctuant. No fistula visualized. **Imaging**: CT pelvis shows 3.2 cm rim-enhancing fluid collection in ischiorectal space. **Procedure**: I&D performed; 20 mL purulent drainage. Wound packed. **Assessment**: Acute ischiorectal abscess (K61.1). Culture sent.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Drained perirectal abscess.
Good Documentation Example
Incision & drainage of 3 cm ischiorectal abscess with 30 mL purulent drainage; wound packed with iodoform gauze.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the procedure and location, which are necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Perirectal Abscess? Ask your questions below.

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