ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK51.314

K51.314

Billable

Ulcerative (chronic) rectosigmoiditis with abscess

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K51.314 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of ulcerative (chronic) rectosigmoiditis with abscess.

Key Diagnostic Point:

K51.314 refers to ulcerative (chronic) rectosigmoiditis with abscess, a subtype of ulcerative colitis affecting the rectosigmoid region of the colon. This condition is characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the mucosal layer, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea (often bloody), and rectal bleeding. The presence of an abscess indicates a localized collection of pus that can arise from the severe inflammation and tissue breakdown. The rectosigmoid area, which includes the rectum and the sigmoid colon, is crucial for the elimination of waste, and its dysfunction can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. Disease progression can vary, with some patients experiencing acute exacerbations while others may have chronic symptoms. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, endoscopic examination, and imaging studies to assess the extent of inflammation and rule out other conditions. Biopsies may also be performed to confirm the diagnosis and assess for dysplasia or malignancy.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires thorough evaluation and differentiation from other gastrointestinal disorders.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve medications, dietary changes, and possibly surgical intervention.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and diagnostic imaging reports are necessary.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to reflect the specific condition and complications.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentifying the type of ulcerative colitis or failing to document the presence of an abscess.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes or lack of imaging studies to support the diagnosis.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if the documentation does not clearly establish the severity and complications of the condition.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary medical specialty: 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

Secondary specialty: General Surgery

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

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Ulcerative rectosigmoiditis with abscess has significant clinical implications, affecting patient quality of life and healthcare utilization. The condition can lead to increased hospital admissions and surgical interventions, impacting population health. Quality measures may include monitoring disease activity and treatment outcomes. Epidemiologically, ulcerative colitis is prevalent in various populations, necessitating ongoing research and healthcare resources to manage this chronic condition effectively.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Ulcerative rectosigmoiditis with abscess has significant clinical implications, affecting patient quality of life and healthcare utilization. The condition can lead to increased hospital admissions and surgical interventions, impacting population health. Quality measures may include monitoring disease activity and treatment outcomes. Epidemiologically, ulcerative colitis is prevalent in various populations, necessitating ongoing research and healthcare resources to manage this chronic condition effectively.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the severity of the condition, the necessity for surgical intervention, and the use of biologic therapies. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation of the abscess or failure to provide adequate clinical justification for the treatment plan. Best practices include ensuring that all clinical notes are detailed and that imaging studies are clearly linked to the diagnosis.

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 K51.314?

K51.314 specifically covers chronic ulcerative rectosigmoiditis with the presence of an abscess. This includes cases where patients exhibit significant inflammation and ulceration in the rectosigmoid area, leading to complications such as abscess formation.

When should K51.314 be used instead of related codes?

K51.314 should be used when there is clear documentation of chronic ulcerative rectosigmoiditis accompanied by an abscess. If the abscess is absent, K51.313 should be used instead.

What documentation supports K51.314?

Documentation should include clinical notes detailing symptoms, diagnostic imaging results showing the abscess, endoscopic findings, and any biopsy results confirming the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis.