Ulcerative colitis, unspecified with rectal bleeding
ICD-10 K51.911 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, unspecified with rectal bleeding.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the colonic mucosa. The condition primarily affects the rectum and can extend proximally to involve varying lengths of the colon. Patients with K51.911 present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding, which can vary in severity. The disease progression is often marked by periods of exacerbation and remission, with the potential for complications such as toxic megacolon or colorectal cancer. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical history, physical examination, stool studies, and endoscopic evaluation with biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the disease. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific location and severity of the ulcerative colitis have not been documented, which may necessitate further investigation to guide treatment and management strategies.
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
K51.911 covers ulcerative colitis that is unspecified in terms of extent and severity but includes symptoms such as rectal bleeding. It does not specify whether the disease is limited to the rectum or involves other parts of the colon.
K51.911 should be used when the extent of ulcerative colitis is not documented or when the clinical presentation includes rectal bleeding without further specification. If the disease is localized or has specific characteristics, more precise codes such as K51.912 should be considered.
Documentation should include a detailed clinical history, physical examination findings, results from stool tests, and endoscopic findings that confirm the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis with rectal bleeding. Clear notes on the absence of specified disease extent are also necessary.
