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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK51.014

K51.014

Billable

Ulcerative (chronic) pancolitis with abscess

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/06/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 K51.014 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of ulcerative (chronic) pancolitis with abscess.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Ulcerative pancolitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the colonic mucosa. In the case of K51.014, the condition is specifically noted to involve the entire colon (pancolitis) and is associated with the presence of abscesses. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea (often bloody), urgency, and weight loss. The anatomy involved includes the entire colon, which may show varying degrees of inflammation and ulceration upon endoscopic examination. Disease progression can lead to complications such as toxic megacolon, perforation, and increased risk of colorectal cancer. Diagnostic considerations include colonoscopy with biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, such as Crohn's disease or infectious colitis. Imaging studies may also be utilized to assess for abscess formation or other complications. Management typically involves medical therapy, including anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires thorough evaluation and differentiation from similar conditions.
  • Treatment complexity: Involves a multidisciplinary approach including gastroenterologists and possibly surgeons.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging results are essential.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to capture the presence of abscesses and extent of disease.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of ulcerative colitis types.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding abscess presence.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if documentation does not clearly support the diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Gastroenterology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Ulcerative pancolitis significantly impacts patient quality of life and healthcare utilization, often leading to frequent hospitalizations and increased healthcare costs. The condition is prevalent among certain populations, particularly in young adults, and can lead to serious complications if not managed effectively. Understanding the epidemiology and treatment pathways is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Ulcerative pancolitis significantly impacts patient quality of life and healthcare utilization, often leading to frequent hospitalizations and increased healthcare costs. The condition is prevalent among certain populations, particularly in young adults, and can lead to serious complications if not managed effectively. Understanding the epidemiology and treatment pathways is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of the case and the need for potential surgical interventions. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation of abscess presence or failure to provide adequate clinical rationale for the diagnosis. Coders should ensure that all relevant details are captured in the medical record to support the use of this specific code.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for K00-K99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for K00-K99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific conditions are covered by K51.014?

K51.014 specifically covers ulcerative pancolitis with abscess formation. It is characterized by chronic inflammation of the entire colon, leading to ulceration and the development of abscesses, which can complicate the disease course.

When should K51.014 be used instead of related codes?

K51.014 should be used when the patient has confirmed ulcerative pancolitis with the presence of abscesses. It is important to differentiate this from other forms of ulcerative colitis that do not involve abscess formation, as this impacts treatment and management.

What documentation supports K51.014?

Documentation should include clinical findings from colonoscopy, biopsy results confirming ulcerative pancolitis, imaging studies showing abscesses, and detailed notes on the patient's symptoms and treatment response.