ICD-10 Coding for Ischemic Bowel Disease(K55.059, K55.1)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Ischemic Bowel Disease. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Ischemic Bowel Disease
K55.0-K55.9Primary Range
Vascular disorders of intestine
This range includes codes for various forms of ischemic bowel disease, including acute and chronic conditions.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K55.059 | Acute vascular disorders of intestine, unspecified | Use when acute ischemia is present without specified location or gangrene. |
|
| K55.1 | Chronic vascular disorders of intestine | Use for chronic ischemia with documented weight loss and imaging findings. |
|
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 ischemic bowel disease
Essential facts and insights about Ischemic Bowel Disease
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for ischemic bowel disease
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Acute onset of abdominal pain with imaging findings.
Applicable To
- Acute intestinal ischemia, unspecified location
Excludes
- Chronic mesenteric ischemia (K55.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Lactate >2.5 mmol/L
- CT showing bowel wall thickening
Code-Specific Risks
- Using unspecified code when specific location is documented.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies acute nature and lack of gangrene.
K55.1 - Chronic vascular disorders of intestine
Use for chronic ischemia with documented weight loss and imaging findings.
Applicable To
- Chronic mesenteric ischemia
Excludes
- Acute intestinal ischemia (K55.059)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Weight loss >10 lbs
- Mesenteric duplex showing >70% stenosis
Coding Notes
Ensure chronicity is documented with supporting evidence.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Embolism and thrombosis of abdominal aorta
I74.0Differential 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 Ischemic Bowel Disease to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K55.059.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific terms and include supporting evidence., Educate clinicians on documentation standards.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific codes like K55.02 for transverse colon ischemia.
Impact
High risk of audit if ischemia is coded without imaging or lab evidence.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all documentation includes supporting evidence for ischemia.
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 Ischemic Bowel Disease, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Ischemic Bowel Disease
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Ischemic Bowel Disease. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute Ischemic Bowel Presentation
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- History of present illness
- Physical examination findings
- Laboratory results
- Imaging studies
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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