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ICD-10 Coding for Psoas Abscess(K68.12)

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

Also known as:

Iliopsoas AbscessRetroperitoneal Abscess

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Psoas Abscess

K65-K68Primary Range

Disorders of peritoneum and retroperitoneum

This range includes codes for retroperitoneal disorders, including psoas abscess.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for psoas abscess

Essential facts and insights about Psoas Abscess

The ICD-10 code for psoas abscess is K68.12, used when imaging confirms a fluid collection in the psoas muscle.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for psoas abscess

Psoas Abscess
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Imaging confirmation of abscess

documentation Criteria

  • Specific mention of 'psoas' or 'iliopsoas' in documentation

Applicable To

  • Iliopsoas abscess
  • Retroperitoneal abscess

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • CT/MRI showing fluid collection in psoas muscle
  • Symptoms such as fever, back/hip pain, limp
  • Positive culture for specific organism

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as a cutaneous abscess
  • Failure to document organism when identified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure imaging and culture results are documented to support coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Staphylococcus aureus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B95.6
Use when MRSA is confirmed as the causative organism.

Differential Codes

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

Infective myositis, other specified sites

M60.08
Use if muscle inflammation is present without abscess formation.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Psoas Abscess to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K68.12.

Impact

Clinical: Potential misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Incorrect coding leading to reimbursement issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on the importance of specific anatomical terms.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect reimbursement due to lower severity classification., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'psoas' or 'iliopsoas' abscess.

Impact

Risk of coding psoas abscess as cutaneous or unspecified.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular audits and provider education on documentation specificity.

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

Documentation Templates for Psoas Abscess

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

Emergency Department presentation of psoas abscess

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • Imaging results
  • Culture results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with fever and right hip pain. CT shows 6cm psoas abscess. Blood cultures pending. Plan for IR drainage.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has abscess in hip area.
Good Documentation Example
CT confirms 6cm right psoas abscess. IR consulted for drainage. Cultures pending.
Explanation
The good example provides specific anatomical location and planned interventions.

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

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