Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for History of Ulcerative Colitis(K51.90, Z86.19)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for History of Ulcerative Colitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Past Ulcerative ColitisResolved Ulcerative Colitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Ulcerative Colitis

K50-K52Primary Range

Noninfective Enteritis and Colitis

This range includes codes for ulcerative colitis and its complications.

Personal history of other diseases of the digestive system

Used for documenting history of ulcerative colitis post-curative surgery.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K51.90Ulcerative colitis, unspecified, without complicationsUse when ulcerative colitis is in remission without surgery.
  • Endoscopic evidence of mucosal healing
  • No active symptoms
Z86.19Personal history of other diseases of the digestive systemUse when ulcerative colitis is resolved post-curative surgery.
  • Documentation of total proctocolectomy
  • No current symptoms or evidence of disease

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 history of ulcerative colitis

Essential facts and insights about History of Ulcerative Colitis

The ICD-10 code for history of ulcerative colitis post-curative surgery is Z86.19.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for history of ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis, unspecified, without complications
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient is asymptomatic and in remission

Applicable To

  • Ulcerative colitis in remission

Excludes

  • Crohn's disease (K50.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Endoscopic evidence of mucosal healing
  • No active symptoms

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if active symptoms are present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports remission status.

Ancillary Codes

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

Postprocedural intestinal obstruction

K91.3X
Use to document ostomy status post-surgery.

Differential Codes

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

Crohn's disease, unspecified, without complications

K50.90
Presence of skip lesions and transmural inflammation

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Ulcerative Colitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K51.90.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient's health status., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify surgical history before coding, Educate staff on documentation requirements

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation of total proctocolectomy before using Z86.19.

Impact

Using Z86.19 without proper documentation of curative surgery.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement documentation checks for surgical history.

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 History of Ulcerative Colitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for History of Ulcerative Colitis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for History of Ulcerative Colitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Post-surgical follow-up for ulcerative colitis

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Surgical history
  • Current symptoms
  • Endoscopic findings

Example Documentation

Patient is status post total proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis in 2018. No current symptoms or evidence of disease.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
History of UC.
Good Documentation Example
Total proctocolectomy performed 6/2020 for medically refractory UC. No recurrence.
Explanation
The good example provides specific surgical details and confirms no recurrence.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for History of Ulcerative Colitis? 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