ICD-10 Coding for Chronic Ulcerative Colitis(K51.9, K51.01)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Chronic Ulcerative Colitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Chronic Ulcerative Colitis
K51.0-K51.9Primary Range
Ulcerative colitis codes
This range includes all codes related to ulcerative colitis, specifying different sites and complications.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K51.9 | Ulcerative colitis, unspecified, without complications | Use when ulcerative colitis is diagnosed but no specific site or complication is documented. |
|
| K51.01 | Ulcerative (chronic) pancolitis with rectal bleeding | Use when there is total colon involvement with documented rectal bleeding. |
|
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 chronic ulcerative colitis
Essential facts and insights about Chronic Ulcerative Colitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for chronic ulcerative colitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- No complications or specific site involvement documented
Applicable To
- Ulcerative colitis NOS
Excludes
- Crohn's disease (K50.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Diagnosis of ulcerative colitis without specific site or complication noted
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of undercoding if complications are present but not documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure no complications are present before using this code.
K51.01 - Ulcerative (chronic) pancolitis with rectal bleeding
Use when there is total colon involvement with documented rectal bleeding.
Applicable To
- Total colon involvement with bleeding
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documentation of pancolitis with rectal bleeding
Coding Notes
Document rectal bleeding clearly to support code use.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Crohn's disease, unspecified, without complications
K50.9Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chronic Ulcerative Colitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K51.9.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning, Regulatory: Potential audit issues, Financial: Incorrect reimbursement
Mitigation Strategy
Always document whether UC is active or in remission
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to lack of specificity, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate data representation of patient condition
Mitigation Strategy
Document and code specific complications such as rectal bleeding or obstruction.
Impact
Failure to document all complications can lead to incorrect coding.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough documentation of all symptoms and 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 Chronic Ulcerative Colitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Chronic Ulcerative Colitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Chronic Ulcerative Colitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Severe Ulcerative Pancolitis
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- Patient symptoms
- Endoscopic findings
- Laboratory results
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
Need help with ICD-10 coding for Chronic Ulcerative Colitis? Ask your questions below.