ICD-10 Coding for Acute Abdomen(R10.0, K35.2)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acute Abdomen. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Acute Abdomen
R10-R19Primary Range
Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen
This range includes codes for abdominal pain and related symptoms, which are central to diagnosing acute abdomen.
Diseases of appendix
Includes specific conditions like appendicitis that may present as acute abdomen.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| R10.0 | Acute abdomen | Use when there is sudden, severe abdominal pain requiring urgent surgical evaluation and no specific diagnosis is confirmed. |
|
| K35.2 | Acute appendicitis with peritoneal abscess | Use when appendicitis is confirmed as the cause of acute abdomen. |
|
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 acute abdomen
Essential facts and insights about Acute Abdomen
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acute abdomen
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of sudden, severe abdominal pain with surgical urgency
coding Criteria
- No specific diagnosis confirmed at the time of coding
Applicable To
- Severe abdominal pain requiring urgent evaluation
Excludes
- Abdominal rigidity (R19.3-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Sudden onset of severe abdominal pain
- Physical exam showing rigidity or rebound tenderness
- Imaging indicating surgical emergency
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of undercoding if specific diagnosis is confirmed later
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation supports the severity and urgency of the condition.
K35.2 - Acute appendicitis with peritoneal abscess
Use when appendicitis is confirmed as the cause of acute abdomen.
Applicable To
- Appendicitis confirmed by imaging
Clinical Validation Requirements
- CT scan showing appendicitis
- Elevated white blood cell count
Coding Notes
Sequence as primary when appendicitis is confirmed.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Abdominal rigidity
R19.3-Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Abdomen to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R10.0.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential for denied claims
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific terms for pain location and severity, Document associated symptoms
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower DRG and reimbursement, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate data representation of patient condition
Mitigation Strategy
Code the specific condition as primary and R10.0 as secondary if needed.
Impact
Risk of audits due to improper sequencing of codes
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation supports code selection and sequencing.
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 Acute Abdomen, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Acute Abdomen
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acute Abdomen. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Emergency Department Evaluation
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- Onset and duration of pain
- Location and radiation
- Associated symptoms
- Physical exam findings
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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