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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK51.8

K51.8

Non-billable

Other ulcerative colitis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K51.8 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of other ulcerative colitis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

K51.8 refers to 'Other ulcerative colitis,' a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the colonic mucosa. This condition can affect any part of the colon and may present with a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea (often bloody), weight loss, and fatigue. The anatomy involved primarily includes the large intestine, specifically the colon, which may exhibit varying degrees of inflammation and ulceration. Disease progression can be unpredictable, with periods of exacerbation and remission. Diagnostic considerations for K51.8 include a thorough clinical evaluation, endoscopic examination, and histological analysis of biopsy samples to differentiate it from other forms of colitis, such as Crohn's disease or infectious colitis. It is essential to identify the specific type of ulcerative colitis to tailor appropriate treatment strategies, which may include medications such as aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, or immunomodulators, and in severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity
  • Treatment complexity
  • Documentation requirements
  • Coding specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors
  • Documentation gaps
  • Billing challenges

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 colitis, including K51.8, significantly impacts population health, affecting quality of life and increasing healthcare utilization due to frequent hospitalizations and outpatient visits. It is associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer, necessitating regular surveillance. Understanding the epidemiology of ulcerative colitis helps in developing targeted interventions and improving healthcare outcomes for affected individuals.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Ulcerative colitis, including K51.8, significantly impacts population health, affecting quality of life and increasing healthcare utilization due to frequent hospitalizations and outpatient visits. It is associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer, necessitating regular surveillance. Understanding the epidemiology of ulcerative colitis helps in developing targeted interventions and improving healthcare outcomes for affected individuals.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the need for detailed clinical notes that support the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and its specific type. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to provide evidence of medical necessity for procedures. Best practices include ensuring that all relevant clinical findings, treatment plans, and follow-up care are well-documented and 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 K51.8?

K51.8 encompasses various forms of ulcerative colitis that do not fit into the more specific categories such as proctitis or pancolitis. It includes atypical presentations and cases where the extent of colonic involvement is not clearly defined.

When should K51.8 be used instead of related codes?

K51.8 should be used when the ulcerative colitis is diagnosed but does not conform to the definitions of other specific types of ulcerative colitis. It is essential to document the clinical findings that support this classification.

What documentation supports K51.8?

Documentation for K51.8 should include clinical notes detailing symptoms, endoscopic findings, biopsy results, and any treatments administered. Clear differentiation from other types of colitis is crucial.