ICD-10 Coding for Short Bowel Syndrome(K90.821, K90.822, K90.829)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Short Bowel Syndrome. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Short Bowel Syndrome
K90.8Primary Range
Intestinal malabsorption
This range includes codes specifically for short bowel syndrome and related malabsorption 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| K90.821 | Short bowel syndrome with colon in continuity | Use when SBS is present with colon in continuity. |
|
| K90.822 | Short bowel syndrome without colon in continuity | Use when SBS is present without colon in continuity. |
|
| K90.829 | Short bowel syndrome, unspecified | Use when SBS is documented but colon status is not specified. |
|
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 short bowel syndrome
Essential facts and insights about Short Bowel Syndrome
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for short bowel syndrome
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Colon continuity confirmed via imaging or surgical report
Applicable To
- SBS with colon present
Excludes
- K90.829 (Unspecified SBS)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Operative report confirming bowel length
- Imaging showing colon continuity
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrect use if colon status is not documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure colon status is clearly documented.
K90.822 - Short bowel syndrome without colon in continuity
Use when SBS is present without colon in continuity.
Applicable To
- SBS without colon present
Excludes
- K90.829 (Unspecified SBS)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Operative report confirming bowel length
- Imaging showing absence of colon continuity
Coding Notes
Ensure colon status is clearly documented.
K90.829 - Short bowel syndrome, unspecified
Use when SBS is documented but colon status is not specified.
Applicable To
- Unspecified SBS
Excludes
- K90.821 (SBS with colon in continuity)
- K90.822 (SBS without colon in continuity)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- General documentation of SBS without specific colon status
Coding Notes
Avoid use if specific colon status can be documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Dependence on supplemental parenteral nutrition
K94.23Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Short Bowel Syndrome to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K90.821.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate treatment records, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement for PN
Mitigation Strategy
Regularly update nutritional support documentation, Include PN details in progress notes
Impact
Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure colon status is documented and use specific codes K90.821 or K90.822.
Impact
Risk of audits due to use of unspecified codes when specific codes are applicable.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure detailed documentation of bowel and colon status.
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 Short Bowel Syndrome, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Short Bowel Syndrome
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Short Bowel Syndrome. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Post-surgical SBS management
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- Bowel length measurement
- Colon status
- Nutritional support details
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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