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ICD-10 Coding for Rectal Discomfort(K62.5, K64.9, K62.89, R10.2)

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

Also known as:

Rectal PainAnorectal Pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Rectal Discomfort

K62-K64Primary Range

Diseases of anus and rectum

This range includes codes for conditions causing rectal discomfort, such as hemorrhoids and other anorectal disorders.

Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen

This range includes symptom codes like pelvic and perineal pain, which may be used when the underlying cause of rectal discomfort is unspecified.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K62.5Hemorrhage of anus and rectumUse when there is active bleeding from the rectum.
  • Hematochezia
  • Visible hemorrhoids on exam
K64.9Unspecified hemorrhoidsUse when hemorrhoids are present but not graded.
  • Palpable hemorrhoids
  • Pain worsened by straining
K62.89Other specified diseases of anus and rectumUse for chronic anorectal pain with no specific diagnosis.
  • Chronic pain >3 months
  • Tenderness on rectal traction
R10.2Pelvic and perineal painUse when rectal pain is present without a known cause.
  • Normal imaging
  • Absence of structural pathology

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 rectal discomfort

Essential facts and insights about Rectal Discomfort

Rectal discomfort is coded using ICD-10 codes like K62.5 for bleeding or K64.9 for unspecified hemorrhoids.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for rectal discomfort

Hemorrhage of anus and rectum
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of visible rectal bleeding

Applicable To

  • Active rectal bleeding

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Hematochezia
  • Visible hemorrhoids on exam

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using for occult bleeding

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies active bleeding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pelvic and perineal pain

R10.2
Use alongside K62.5 if pain is a significant symptom.

Constipation

K59.0
Use if constipation is a contributing factor.

Chronic pain syndrome

F45.41
Use if chronic pain syndrome is diagnosed.

Other specified persons encountering health services

Z76.89
Use for counseling or follow-up visits.

Differential Codes

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

Other fecal abnormalities

R19.5
Use R19.5 for occult blood in stool without visible bleeding.

Thrombosed hemorrhoids

K64.3
Use K64.3 for hemorrhoids with thrombosis.

Ulcerative proctitis

K51.219
Use K51.219 if proctitis is confirmed.

Other specified diseases of anus and rectum

K62.89
Use K62.89 if chronic pain is present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Rectal Discomfort to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K62.5.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Increased risk of audits and penalties., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on code specificity., Use decision support tools for code selection.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use R19.5 for occult blood in stool.

Impact

Reimbursement: May affect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Potential audit risk for unspecified coding., Data Quality: Lack of specificity in clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Document the grade or reason for unspecified status.

Impact

Frequent use of unspecified codes may trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports specific code selection.

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 Rectal Discomfort, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Rectal Discomfort

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

Chronic rectal pain evaluation

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Pain characterization
  • Physical exam findings
  • Diagnostic test results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with chronic rectal pain, described as a dull ache lasting over 3 months. Digital rectal exam reveals tenderness on puborectalis traction. Anorectal manometry shows hypertonic sphincter.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient reports rectal pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports chronic rectal pain lasting over 3 months, exacerbated by sitting. Digital exam reveals tenderness on puborectalis traction.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on pain duration, exacerbating factors, and exam findings, supporting code selection.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Rectal Discomfort? Ask your questions below.

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