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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK51.914

K51.914

Billable

Ulcerative colitis, unspecified with abscess

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K51.914 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, unspecified with abscess.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the colonic mucosa. The condition can affect any part of the colon, but it typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally. Patients with ulcerative colitis may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea (often bloody), urgency to defecate, and weight loss. The presence of an abscess indicates a localized collection of pus that can occur due to the severe inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis. This complication may lead to increased pain, fever, and systemic symptoms. Disease progression can vary, with periods of exacerbation and remission. Diagnostic considerations include colonoscopy with biopsy, imaging studies, and laboratory tests to rule out infections and other gastrointestinal disorders. It is crucial to differentiate ulcerative colitis from Crohn's disease and other gastrointestinal conditions to ensure appropriate management and treatment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires comprehensive evaluation to differentiate from other gastrointestinal diseases.
  • Treatment complexity: Management may involve medications, dietary changes, and possibly surgery.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical documentation is necessary to support the diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to reflect the presence of abscess and the unspecified nature of ulcerative colitis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentification of ulcerative colitis type or abscess presence.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding symptoms or treatment plans.
  • Billing challenges: Potential for denials if documentation does not clearly support the diagnosis and treatment.

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

Ulcerative colitis significantly impacts patient quality of life and healthcare utilization. It is associated with increased healthcare costs due to frequent hospitalizations and the need for ongoing management. Understanding the epidemiology of ulcerative colitis, including its prevalence and complications like abscess formation, is crucial for public health initiatives aimed at improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare burdens.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Ulcerative colitis significantly impacts patient quality of life and healthcare utilization. It is associated with increased healthcare costs due to frequent hospitalizations and the need for ongoing management. Understanding the epidemiology of ulcerative colitis, including its prevalence and complications like abscess formation, is crucial for public health initiatives aimed at improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare burdens.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Ulcerative colitis significantly impacts patient quality of life and healthcare utilization. It is associated with increased healthcare costs due to frequent hospitalizations and the need for ongoing management. Understanding the epidemiology of ulcerative colitis, including its prevalence and complications like abscess formation, is crucial for public health initiatives aimed at improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare burdens.

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 K51.914?

K51.914 covers ulcerative colitis that is unspecified in terms of severity or extent, but with the presence of an abscess. This includes cases where the abscess is a complication of the underlying inflammatory process.

When should K51.914 be used instead of related codes?

K51.914 should be used when there is a confirmed diagnosis of ulcerative colitis with an abscess, and when the specifics of the ulcerative colitis are not detailed in the medical record. It is important to use this code when the abscess is a significant factor in the patient's condition.

What documentation supports K51.914?

Documentation should include a clear diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, details of the abscess (location, size, and treatment), and any relevant imaging or laboratory results that support the diagnosis. Clinical notes should reflect the patient's symptoms and the treatment plan.