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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK51.818

K51.818

Billable

Other ulcerative colitis with other complication

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K51.818 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other ulcerative colitis with other complication.

Key Diagnostic Point:

K51.818 refers to other ulcerative colitis with other complications, a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) primarily affecting the colon. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea (often bloody), weight loss, and fatigue. The disease can lead to various complications, including strictures, perforations, or toxic megacolon, which require careful monitoring and management. The anatomy involved primarily includes the colon and rectum, with inflammation that can extend through the mucosal layer into deeper layers of the bowel wall. Disease progression can vary significantly among individuals, with some experiencing acute exacerbations while others may have a more chronic course. Diagnostic considerations include colonoscopy with biopsy, imaging studies, and laboratory tests to rule out infections or other gastrointestinal disorders. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment planning, which may involve medication, dietary modifications, or surgical interventions in severe cases.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

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

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors include misclassification of ulcerative colitis types.
  • Documentation gaps may arise if complications are not clearly noted in the medical record.
  • Billing challenges can occur if the complexity of the condition is not adequately reflected in the coding.

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

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of K51.818 lies in its association with severe gastrointestinal complications that can affect patient quality of life and healthcare utilization. Understanding the epidemiology of ulcerative colitis, including its prevalence and impact on population health, is crucial for developing effective management strategies. Quality measures related to this condition often focus on symptom control, hospitalization rates, and overall patient outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of K51.818 lies in its association with severe gastrointestinal complications that can affect patient quality of life and healthcare utilization. Understanding the epidemiology of ulcerative colitis, including its prevalence and impact on population health, is crucial for developing effective management strategies. Quality measures related to this condition often focus on symptom control, hospitalization rates, and overall patient outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical evidence and that all relevant procedures are coded accurately. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for treatments. Best practices include regular audits of coding practices and ensuring that all clinical notes are thorough and up-to-date.

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 K51.818?

K51.818 encompasses ulcerative colitis with complications that do not fall under more specific categories, such as strictures or abscesses. It may include cases with complications like extraintestinal manifestations or severe disease requiring hospitalization.

When should K51.818 be used instead of related codes?

K51.818 should be used when the ulcerative colitis is accompanied by complications that are not specified in other codes. It is crucial to differentiate it from K51.9, which is used for unspecified ulcerative colitis without complications.

What documentation supports K51.818?

Documentation should include detailed clinical notes on the patient's history, physical examination findings, diagnostic test results, and any complications observed. Clear descriptions of the patient's symptoms and treatment plans are essential.