ICD-10 Coding for Peritonitis(K65.0, K65.1, K65.2)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Peritonitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Peritonitis
K65Primary Range
Diseases of peritoneum
This range includes all primary codes for peritonitis, covering various types such as generalized, localized, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K65.0 | Generalized acute peritonitis | Use when peritonitis is generalized and not due to appendicitis. |
|
| K65.1 | Peritoneal abscess | Use when imaging confirms abscess formation. |
|
| K65.2 | Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis | Use when ascites fluid analysis confirms bacterial infection without intra-abdominal source. |
|
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 peritonitis
Essential facts and insights about Peritonitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for peritonitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Diffuse abdominal rigidity and rebound tenderness present.
Applicable To
- Diffuse peritonitis
Excludes
- Appendicitis with peritonitis (K35.2-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Diffuse abdominal rigidity
- Rebound tenderness
- Systemic inflammatory response (WBC >12,000 or <4,000)
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if appendicitis is the cause.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies generalized peritonitis and excludes appendicitis.
K65.1 - Peritoneal abscess
Use when imaging confirms abscess formation.
Applicable To
- Intra-abdominal abscess
Excludes
- Postprocedural peritoneal abscess (T81.6)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- CT evidence of loculated fluid collection
- WBC >50,000/µL in aspirate
Coding Notes
Document imaging findings clearly to support abscess diagnosis.
K65.2 - Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
Use when ascites fluid analysis confirms bacterial infection without intra-abdominal source.
Applicable To
- SBP
Excludes
- Peritonitis due to other causes
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Ascites fluid neutrophil count >250 cells/µL
- Positive ascites culture
Coding Notes
Ensure ascites culture results are documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Acute appendicitis with generalized peritonitis
K35.21Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Peritonitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K65.0.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Encourage detailed clinical notes., Use standardized documentation templates.
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Identify and use more specific codes like K65.0 or K65.2.
Impact
Using unspecified codes when specific codes are applicable.
Mitigation Strategy
Regular training on code specificity and documentation requirements.
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 Peritonitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Peritonitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Peritonitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Post-operative peritonitis
Specialty: SurgeryRequired Elements
- Pre/post-op diagnoses
- Operative findings
- Imaging results
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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