Diseases of peritoneum and retroperitoneum
ICD-10 Codes (14)
K66K66.0K66.1K66.8K66.9K67K68K68.1K68.11K68.12K68.19K68.2K68.3K68.9Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
New Codes (1)
Revised Codes (2)
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for K65-K68 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
The ICD-10 code range K65-K68 pertains to diseases of the peritoneum and retroperitoneum. These codes cover a variety of conditions, including peritonitis, other disorders of the peritoneum, and disorders of the retroperitoneum. The peritoneum is a thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen and covers most of the abdominal organs. The retroperitoneum is the space in the abdominal cavity behind the peritoneum. Conditions affecting these areas can be serious and require accurate coding for appropriate treatment and billing.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always code the underlying condition first, followed by the K65-K68 code.
- •For peritonitis due to a procedure, use an additional code to identify the procedure.
- •Use additional codes to identify any associated abscess or sepsis.
- •For retroperitoneal fibrosis, use code K68.1.
- •For peritoneal adhesions (postoperative) (postinfection), use code K66.0.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with peritonitis.
- ✓When a patient has a disorder of the peritoneum not classified elsewhere.
- ✓When a patient has a disorder of the retroperitoneum.
- ✓When a patient has peritoneal adhesions.
- ✓When a patient has retroperitoneal fibrosis.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When the patient's condition is not specifically related to the peritoneum or retroperitoneum.
- ✗When the patient's condition is better described by another code.
- ✗When the patient has a condition that is an exclusion for these codes.
- ✗When the patient's condition is a complication of pregnancy, childbirth, or the puerperium.
- ✗When the patient's condition is congenital.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions by checking the official ICD-10-CM guidelines and the patient's medical record.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for K65-K68 codes should be thorough and specific. It should include the type and cause of the condition, any associated conditions or complications, and the patient's response to treatment.
Clinical Information:
- •Specific diagnosis
- •Cause of the condition, if known
- •Any associated conditions or complications
- •Treatment provided and patient's response
- •Prognosis
Supporting Evidence:
- •Medical history
- •Physical examination findings
- •Laboratory and imaging results
- •Treatment notes
Good Documentation Example:
Patient diagnosed with peritonitis due to ruptured appendix. Treated with appendectomy and antibiotics. Responding well to treatment.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has stomach pain.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not documenting the cause of the condition
- ⚠Not including associated conditions or complications
- ⚠Not providing enough detail about the patient's response to treatment
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
Coding for diseases of the peritoneum and retroperitoneum can be moderately complex due to the need to identify the underlying cause of the condition, any associated conditions or complications, and the specific anatomy involved. Additionally, coders must stay current with any changes to the codes and guidelines.
Key Factors:
- ▸Determining the underlying cause of the condition
- ▸Identifying any associated conditions or complications
- ▸Understanding the anatomy of the peritoneum and retroperitoneum
- ▸Keeping up with changes to the codes and guidelines
Specialty Focus
These codes are most commonly used by gastroenterologists and general surgeons. They may also be used by internists and emergency medicine physicians.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • Patient presents with acute abdominal pain and is diagnosed with peritonitis due to a ruptured appendix.
- • Patient with a history of abdominal surgery presents with chronic abdominal pain and is diagnosed with peritoneal adhesions.
- • Patient presents with back pain and is diagnosed with retroperitoneal fibrosis.
Resources & References
The official ICD-10-CM guidelines and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) are excellent resources for coding diseases of the peritoneum and retroperitoneum.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- AHIMA Coding Clinic
Clinical References:
- American College of Gastroenterology
- American College of Surgeons
Educational Materials:
- AHIMA ICD-10-CM Coding Workbook
- ICD-10-CM Coding Handbook
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I code for peritonitis due to a ruptured appendix?
First code for the appendicitis (K35.2), followed by the code for peritonitis (K65.0).