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ICD-10 Coding for Sigmoid Stricture(K56.609, K50.112, K91.89)

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

Also known as:

Sigmoid Colon StrictureNarrowing of Sigmoid Colon

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Sigmoid Stricture

K56-K57Primary Range

Other intestinal obstruction and hernia

This range includes codes for intestinal obstructions, including those caused by sigmoid strictures.

Noninfective enteritis and colitis

Includes codes for Crohn's disease, which can cause sigmoid strictures.

Intraoperative and postprocedural complications and disorders

Includes codes for postprocedural complications such as strictures following surgery.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K56.609Unspecified intestinal obstructionUse when the sigmoid stricture causes an obstruction, but the severity is unspecified.
  • CT scan showing obstruction
  • Colonoscopy findings
K50.112Crohn’s disease of large intestine with obstructionUse when the stricture is secondary to Crohn's disease.
  • Diagnosis of Crohn's disease
  • Imaging showing stricture
K91.89Postprocedural complicationsUse for strictures occurring as a complication post-surgery.
  • History of recent surgery
  • Imaging showing stricture

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 sigmoid stricture

Essential facts and insights about Sigmoid Stricture

The ICD-10 code for sigmoid stricture causing unspecified obstruction is K56.609. For Crohn's-related stricture, use K50.112.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for sigmoid stricture

Unspecified intestinal obstruction
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Obstruction confirmed by imaging or endoscopy

Applicable To

  • Sigmoid stricture causing unspecified obstruction

Excludes

  • Obstruction due to adhesions (K56.50)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • CT scan showing obstruction
  • Colonoscopy findings

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if obstruction severity is known

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the cause of obstruction.

Ancillary Codes

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

Diarrhea/constipation

R19.7
Use if patient presents with these symptoms.

Differential Codes

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

Adhesions with intestinal obstruction

K56.50
Use when obstruction is due to adhesions.

Unspecified intestinal obstruction

K56.609
Use when Crohn's is not the cause.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Sigmoid Stricture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K56.609.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential for incorrect billing and reimbursement

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of patient history, Include all relevant diagnostic findings

Impact

Reimbursement: May affect DRG assignment and reimbursement levels., Compliance: Could lead to non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces the accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes like K50.112 for Crohn's-related strictures.

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 Sigmoid Stricture, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Sigmoid Stricture

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

Crohn’s-related stricture

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Imaging results
  • Endoscopy findings
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient with Crohn’s presents with obstruction. CT shows stricture at 30 cm. Colonoscopy confirms inflammatory stricture. Plan: biologic therapy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has bowel obstruction.
Good Documentation Example
Patient with Crohn’s presents with obstruction. CT shows stricture at 30 cm. Colonoscopy confirms inflammatory stricture.
Explanation
The good example specifies the cause and location of the stricture.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Sigmoid Stricture? Ask your questions below.

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