Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Postoperative Ileus(K91.3, K91.89, K56.7)

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

Also known as:

Post-op IleusParalytic IleusPost-surgical Ileus

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Postoperative Ileus

K91-K92Primary Range

Intraoperative and postprocedural complications and disorders of digestive system, not elsewhere classified

This range includes codes for complications following surgical procedures, including postoperative ileus.

Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia

This range includes codes for ileus and intestinal obstruction, which are relevant for non-complication cases.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K91.3Postprocedural intestinal obstructionUse when there is a documented mechanical obstruction directly related to surgery.
  • Documentation of mechanical obstruction
  • Imaging showing transition point
K91.89Other postprocedural complications and disorders of digestive systemUse when non-obstructive ileus is confirmed as a surgical complication.
  • Documentation of non-obstructive ileus as a complication
  • Interventions such as NG tube placement
K56.7Ileus, unspecifiedUse when ileus is not linked to surgery or lacks complication documentation.
  • Lack of obstruction on imaging
  • No surgical complication documented

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 postoperative ileus

Essential facts and insights about Postoperative Ileus

The ICD-10 code for postoperative ileus varies based on obstruction and complication status. Use K91.3 for obstructive and K91.89 with K56.7 for non-obstructive complications.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for post op ileus

Postprocedural intestinal obstruction
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of mechanical obstruction confirmed by imaging

Applicable To

  • Mechanical obstruction due to surgery

Excludes

  • Non-obstructive ileus

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of mechanical obstruction
  • Imaging showing transition point

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding non-obstructive ileus as K91.3

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies mechanical obstruction.

Differential Codes

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

Ileus, unspecified

K56.7
Use K56.7 for non-obstructive ileus not linked to surgery.

Postprocedural intestinal obstruction

K91.3
Use K91.3 for obstructive ileus.

Other postprocedural complications and disorders of digestive system

K91.89
Use K91.89 for non-obstructive ileus as a complication.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Postoperative Ileus to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K91.3.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Potential for audit issues., Financial: Incorrect coding can affect reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Clarify if ileus is expected or a complication., Use specific language in documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Query for 'mechanical vs. paralytic' to ensure correct coding.

Impact

Risk of incorrect coding due to ambiguous documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement clear documentation practices and regular audits.

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 Postoperative Ileus, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Postoperative Ileus

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

Postoperative Ileus in Surgical Patient

Specialty: Surgery

Required Elements

  • Onset and duration
  • Type of ileus
  • Interventions
  • Complication status

Example Documentation

POD4: Persistent abdominal distention, no flatus. CT shows diffuse bowel dilation without mechanical obstruction. Diagnosis: Postoperative paralytic ileus (complication of sigmoid resection). Plan: NPO, NG tube placement.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Ileus present.
Good Documentation Example
Postoperative paralytic ileus due to anesthesia, requiring NG decompression.
Explanation
The good example specifies the cause and intervention, supporting complication coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Postoperative Ileus? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more