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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK52.832

K52.832

Billable

Lymphocytic colitis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K52.832 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of lymphocytic colitis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Lymphocytic colitis is a form of microscopic colitis characterized by chronic, non-bloody diarrhea and inflammation of the colon, primarily affecting the mucosal layer. This condition is often seen in middle-aged women and can be associated with autoimmune disorders, medications, and certain infections. Clinically, patients present with frequent watery stools, abdominal pain, and urgency, which can significantly impact their quality of life. The anatomy involved includes the colon, particularly the mucosal layer, where an increase in lymphocytes is observed upon biopsy. Disease progression can vary; while some patients may experience intermittent symptoms, others may have persistent diarrhea. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, exclusion of other causes of diarrhea, and histological examination of colon biopsies, which reveal an increase in lymphocytes without significant architectural distortion. It is crucial to differentiate lymphocytic colitis from other forms of colitis, such as collagenous colitis and inflammatory bowel disease, to ensure appropriate management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires histological confirmation and exclusion of other conditions.
  • Treatment complexity: Management may involve dietary changes, medications, and monitoring.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and biopsy results are essential.
  • Coding specificity: Requires accurate coding to differentiate from similar conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification with other types of colitis.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes or lack of biopsy results.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to insufficient evidence of diagnosis.

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

Pathology

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

Lymphocytic colitis, while less common than other gastrointestinal disorders, can significantly affect patient quality of life due to its chronic nature. Understanding its epidemiology is crucial, as it predominantly affects middle-aged women and may be linked to other autoimmune conditions. Effective management and accurate coding can improve healthcare utilization patterns and ensure that patients receive appropriate care, ultimately enhancing population health outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Lymphocytic colitis, while less common than other gastrointestinal disorders, can significantly affect patient quality of life due to its chronic nature. Understanding its epidemiology is crucial, as it predominantly affects middle-aged women and may be linked to other autoimmune conditions. Effective management and accurate coding can improve healthcare utilization patterns and ensure that patients receive appropriate care, ultimately enhancing population health outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the medical necessity for colonoscopy and biopsy is clearly documented. Common denials may occur if the documentation does not adequately support the diagnosis or if there is a lack of detailed clinical notes. Best practices include maintaining comprehensive records of patient symptoms, treatment plans, and follow-up care to substantiate claims and reduce 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 K52.832?

K52.832 specifically covers lymphocytic colitis, which is characterized by an increase in lymphocytes in the colonic mucosa. It is important to differentiate this from other types of colitis, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, which have different histological features and clinical implications.

When should K52.832 be used instead of related codes?

K52.832 should be used when a patient has been diagnosed with lymphocytic colitis confirmed by biopsy showing increased lymphocytes. It is important to use this code when the clinical presentation aligns with the specific characteristics of lymphocytic colitis, differentiating it from other colitis types.

What documentation supports K52.832?

Documentation for K52.832 should include a thorough clinical history, symptom description, results from colonoscopy, and biopsy findings that confirm the diagnosis of lymphocytic colitis. It is also beneficial to document any associated conditions or medications that may contribute to the patient's symptoms.