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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK56.690

K56.690

Billable

Other partial intestinal obstruction

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K56.690 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other partial intestinal obstruction.

Key Diagnostic Point:

K56.690 refers to 'Other partial intestinal obstruction,' a condition characterized by a blockage in the intestines that does not completely obstruct the passage of intestinal contents. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, distension, nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits. The anatomy involved typically includes the small intestine or large intestine, where adhesions, tumors, hernias, or inflammatory bowel diseases can lead to partial obstruction. Disease progression may vary; some patients may experience intermittent symptoms, while others may develop complications such as bowel ischemia or perforation if left untreated. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as abdominal X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasound, which can help visualize the obstruction and its cause. Laboratory tests may also be performed to assess electrolyte imbalances or signs of infection. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent severe complications associated with intestinal obstructions.

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 complete versus partial obstruction.
  • Documentation gaps may arise if the cause of obstruction is not clearly stated.
  • Billing challenges may occur if the medical necessity of procedures related to obstruction is not well-documented.

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

General Surgery

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

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

K56.690 has significant clinical implications, as untreated partial intestinal obstructions can lead to serious complications, including bowel ischemia and perforation. The condition affects a substantial portion of the population, particularly those with a history of abdominal surgery or inflammatory bowel disease. Quality measures related to timely diagnosis and management of intestinal obstructions are crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare utilization patterns associated with emergency interventions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

K56.690 has significant clinical implications, as untreated partial intestinal obstructions can lead to serious complications, including bowel ischemia and perforation. The condition affects a substantial portion of the population, particularly those with a history of abdominal surgery or inflammatory bowel disease. Quality measures related to timely diagnosis and management of intestinal obstructions are crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare utilization patterns associated with emergency interventions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the medical necessity of procedures and any associated complications. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation of the diagnosis or lack of clarity regarding the cause of the obstruction. To mitigate these risks, coders should ensure that all relevant clinical information is included in the medical record and that the coding accurately reflects the services provided.

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 K56.690?

K56.690 encompasses various conditions leading to partial intestinal obstruction, including adhesions from previous surgeries, tumors, inflammatory bowel disease, and hernias. It is important to document the specific underlying cause when coding.

When should K56.690 be used instead of related codes?

K56.690 should be used when the obstruction is partial and does not completely block intestinal contents. It is differentiated from K56.60 (complete obstruction) and K56.69 (other specified complications) based on the severity and nature of the obstruction.

What documentation supports K56.690?

Documentation should include clinical findings, imaging results, and any relevant history that indicates the presence of a partial obstruction. Clear descriptions of symptoms and the underlying cause are essential for accurate coding.