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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK51.812

K51.812

Billable

Other ulcerative colitis with intestinal obstruction

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K51.812 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other ulcerative colitis with intestinal obstruction.

Key Diagnostic Point:

K51.812 refers to 'Other ulcerative colitis with intestinal obstruction,' a condition characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the colonic mucosa, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. The intestinal obstruction can occur due to severe inflammation, strictures, or complications such as toxic megacolon. The anatomy involved primarily includes the colon, but the disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Disease progression can vary, with some patients experiencing acute exacerbations while others may have chronic symptoms. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical history, physical examination, imaging studies (such as CT scans), and endoscopic evaluations to assess the extent of colonic involvement and rule out other causes of obstruction. Laboratory tests may also be performed to evaluate inflammatory markers and assess overall health status. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent complications such as perforation or sepsis.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires comprehensive evaluation to differentiate from other gastrointestinal disorders.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve medical management, dietary changes, and possibly surgical intervention.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical documentation is necessary to support the diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to reflect the specific type of ulcerative colitis and associated complications.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of ulcerative colitis types or failure to document obstruction.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes or lack of imaging results to support the diagnosis.
  • Billing challenges: Potential for denials if documentation does not clearly establish the diagnosis and its complications.

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

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

K51.812 has significant clinical implications as it indicates a severe form of ulcerative colitis that can lead to increased healthcare utilization, including hospitalizations and surgical interventions. The population health impact is notable, as ulcerative colitis affects a substantial number of individuals, and complications like intestinal obstruction can lead to increased morbidity. Quality measures may focus on timely diagnosis and management to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

K51.812 has significant clinical implications as it indicates a severe form of ulcerative colitis that can lead to increased healthcare utilization, including hospitalizations and surgical interventions. The population health impact is notable, as ulcerative colitis affects a substantial number of individuals, and complications like intestinal obstruction can lead to increased morbidity. Quality measures may focus on timely diagnosis and management to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and minimize the risk of audits.

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 K51.812?

K51.812 covers cases of ulcerative colitis that are not classified elsewhere and are complicated by intestinal obstruction. This includes patients with strictures, severe inflammation, or other complications that lead to obstructive symptoms.

When should K51.812 be used instead of related codes?

K51.812 should be used when there is clear documentation of ulcerative colitis accompanied by intestinal obstruction. If the obstruction is not present, K51.811 should be considered instead.

What documentation supports K51.812?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical history, physical examination findings, imaging studies showing obstruction, endoscopic findings, and treatment plans that reflect the severity of the condition.