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ICD-10 Coding for Anal Fissure(K60.0, K60.1)

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

Also known as:

Anal TearRectal Fissure

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Anal Fissure

K60.0-K60.5Primary Range

Codes for anal fissures and fistulas

This range includes codes for acute and chronic anal fissures, as well as related fistulas.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K60.0Acute anal fissureUse when the fissure is acute, with symptoms lasting less than 6 weeks.
  • Acute pain less than 6 weeks
  • No sentinel pile or sphincter spasm
K60.1Chronic anal fissureUse when the fissure is chronic, with symptoms lasting more than 6 weeks.
  • Symptoms lasting more than 6 weeks
  • Presence of sentinel pile or sphincter hypertonia

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 anal fissure

Essential facts and insights about Anal Fissure

The ICD-10 code for an acute anal fissure is K60.0, applicable when symptoms last less than 6 weeks.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for anal fissure

Acute anal fissure
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Duration of symptoms less than 6 weeks

Applicable To

  • Acute tear of the anal canal

Excludes

  • Chronic anal fissure (K60.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Acute pain less than 6 weeks
  • No sentinel pile or sphincter spasm

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if chronicity is not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies acute nature to avoid misclassification.

Differential Codes

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

Chronic anal fissure

K60.1
Presence of sentinel pile and symptoms lasting more than 6 weeks.

Acute anal fissure

K60.0
Symptoms lasting less than 6 weeks without sentinel pile.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Anal Fissure to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K60.0.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis risk, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Educate clinicians on documentation standards, Use templates with required fields

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential denial due to lack of specificity, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies duration and presence of sentinel pile.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of chronicity can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement documentation templates that prompt for duration and associated findings.

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 Anal Fissure, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Anal Fissure

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

Chronic anal fissure evaluation

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • History of bowel habits
  • Pain description
  • Physical exam findings

Example Documentation

Patient presents with 8-week history of anal pain, posterior midline fissure with sentinel pile.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Anal fissure noted.
Good Documentation Example
3cm posterior midline fissure with fibrotic edges, sentinel pile, and sphincter spasm.
Explanation
The good example provides detailed clinical findings necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Anal Fissure? Ask your questions below.

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