ICD-10 Coding for Lower Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage(K57.31, K62.5, K92.2)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Lower Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Lower Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage
K55-K64Primary Range
Diseases of the intestines and rectum
This range includes conditions that can cause lower gastrointestinal bleeding, such as diverticulosis and hemorrhoids.
Other diseases of the digestive system
This range includes unspecified gastrointestinal hemorrhage codes used when the source of bleeding is not identified.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K57.31 | Diverticulosis of large intestine with hemorrhage | Use when diverticulosis is confirmed as the source of bleeding. |
|
| K62.5 | Hemorrhage of anus and rectum | Use when hemorrhoids are confirmed as the source of bleeding. |
|
| K92.2 | Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, unspecified | Use only when the source of bleeding remains unidentified after thorough investigation. |
|
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 lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage
Essential facts and insights about Lower Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Documented diverticulosis with active bleeding
Applicable To
- Diverticular bleeding
Excludes
- Diverticulitis with hemorrhage (K57.33)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Colonoscopy showing diverticular bleeding
- Hematochezia with confirmed diverticulosis
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding as unspecified GI bleed (K92.2)
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies diverticular source to avoid unspecified coding.
K62.5 - Hemorrhage of anus and rectum
Use when hemorrhoids are confirmed as the source of bleeding.
Applicable To
- Hemorrhoidal bleeding
Excludes
- Bleeding from anal fissure (K60.3)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Bright red blood per rectum
- Hemorrhoids identified on examination
Coding Notes
Ensure rectal source is confirmed to avoid misclassification.
K92.2 - Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, unspecified
Use only when the source of bleeding remains unidentified after thorough investigation.
Excludes
- Specific GI hemorrhage codes
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Hematochezia with no identified source after workup
Coding Notes
Avoid using if specific source is documented.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Angiodysplasia of colon with hemorrhage
K55.21Melena
K92.1Diverticulosis of large intestine with hemorrhage
K57.31Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Lower Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K57.31.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment, Regulatory: Increases risk of audit, Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement
Mitigation Strategy
Review endoscopy and imaging reports, Ensure detailed documentation of findings
Impact
Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement due to unspecified coding, Compliance: Increases risk of audit and compliance issues, Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific codes like K57.31 for diverticular bleeding
Impact
High audit risk when using K92.2 without thorough documentation
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all diagnostic procedures are documented and reviewed
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 Lower Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Lower Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Lower Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Lower GI Bleed with Diverticulosis
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- Onset and duration of bleeding
- Colonoscopy findings
- Hematochezia description
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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