ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK52.9

K52.9

Billable

Noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K52.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

K52.9 refers to noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis, unspecified, which encompasses a range of gastrointestinal disorders characterized by inflammation of the stomach and intestines without a known infectious cause. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. The anatomy involved includes the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, which may exhibit varying degrees of inflammation. Disease progression can vary; while some patients may experience acute symptoms that resolve spontaneously, others may develop chronic conditions that require ongoing management. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history, physical examination, and exclusion of infectious causes through stool tests and imaging studies. It is essential to differentiate K52.9 from other gastrointestinal conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or infectious gastroenteritis, to ensure appropriate treatment and management.

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 with infectious gastroenteritis codes.
  • Documentation gaps may arise if the underlying cause of symptoms is not clearly established.
  • Billing challenges can occur if the diagnosis is not supported by adequate clinical evidence.

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

Primary Care

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 K52.9 lies in its potential to affect patient quality of life and healthcare utilization. Noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis can lead to increased healthcare visits, diagnostic testing, and treatment interventions. Understanding the epidemiology of these conditions helps in identifying at-risk populations and implementing preventive measures. Quality measures may include tracking the frequency of noninfective gastrointestinal disorders and ensuring appropriate management strategies are in place.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of K52.9 lies in its potential to affect patient quality of life and healthcare utilization. Noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis can lead to increased healthcare visits, diagnostic testing, and treatment interventions. Understanding the epidemiology of these conditions helps in identifying at-risk populations and implementing preventive measures. Quality measures may include tracking the frequency of noninfective gastrointestinal disorders and ensuring appropriate management strategies are in place.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement considerations include the necessity of ruling out infectious causes and the potential need for follow-up visits. It is crucial to use the correct code to reflect the patient's condition accurately, as incorrect coding can lead to claim denials or delays in payment. Familiarity with payer-specific guidelines can also aid in reducing billing challenges.

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 K52.9?

K52.9 covers a variety of noninfective conditions leading to gastroenteritis and colitis, including allergic reactions to food, chemical irritants, and adverse effects of medications. It is used when the specific cause of the inflammation is not identified.

When should K52.9 be used instead of related codes?

K52.9 should be used when the gastroenteritis or colitis is confirmed to be noninfective and no specific underlying condition is identified. If a specific cause is known, such as food allergies or medication-induced issues, more specific codes should be utilized.

What documentation supports K52.9?

Documentation should include a detailed patient history, clinical findings, results from diagnostic tests that rule out infectious causes, and any relevant treatment plans. Clear notes on the absence of infectious agents are crucial.