Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Diverticulitis Unspecified(K57.92)

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

Also known as:

Unspecified DiverticulitisDiverticulitis NOS

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Diverticulitis Unspecified

K57.9Primary Range

Diverticulitis of intestine, part unspecified

This range includes codes for diverticulitis without specification of the affected intestinal part.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for diverticulitis unspecified

Essential facts and insights about Diverticulitis Unspecified

The ICD-10 code for diverticulitis unspecified is K57.92, used when the location and complications are not specified.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for diverticulitis unspecified

Diverticulitis of intestine, part unspecified, without perforation or abscess without bleeding
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • No evidence of perforation or abscess on imaging

documentation Criteria

  • Location of diverticulitis is not specified

Applicable To

  • Acute diverticulitis without complications

Excludes

  • Diverticulitis with perforation or abscess (K57.3-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • CT scan showing colonic wall thickening without abscess
  • CRP > 5 mg/dL
  • WBC > 10,000/μL

Code-Specific Risks

  • Assuming location without documentation
  • Coding as complicated when no complications are documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies absence of complications to use K57.92.

Ancillary Codes

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

Left lower quadrant abdominal pain

R10.8
Use when abdominal pain is documented with diverticulitis.

Fever

R50.9
Use when fever is documented with diverticulitis.

Differential Codes

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

Diverticulitis of sigmoid colon without complications

K57.32
Use when sigmoid colon is specified as the location.

Diverticulitis of small intestine with bleeding

K57.13
Use when bleeding is documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Diverticulitis Unspecified to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K57.92.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect diagnosis coding., Regulatory: Potential audit risk., Financial: Incorrect reimbursement due to coding errors.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure imaging results are documented, Verify documentation before coding

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to potential underpayment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes like K57.32 for sigmoid diverticulitis.

Impact

Incomplete documentation can lead to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement thorough documentation practices.

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 Diverticulitis Unspecified, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Diverticulitis Unspecified

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

Emergency Department Presentation

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Laboratory data

Example Documentation

Patient presents with LLQ pain, CT shows diverticulitis without abscess.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Diverticulitis treated with antibiotics.
Good Documentation Example
Acute diverticulitis of unspecified location, CT negative for abscess, CRP 12 mg/L.
Explanation
Good example includes specific imaging and lab findings.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Diverticulitis Unspecified? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more