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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK57.40

K57.40

Billable

Diverticulitis of both small and large intestine with perforation and abscess without bleeding

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K57.40 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of diverticulitis of both small and large intestine with perforation and abscess without bleeding.

Key Diagnostic Point:

K57.40 refers to diverticulitis affecting both the small and large intestines, characterized by the presence of perforation and abscess formation without any associated bleeding. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits. The anatomy involved includes the small intestine, particularly the ileum, and the large intestine, primarily the colon, where diverticula can form due to increased intraluminal pressure. The disease progression typically involves inflammation of the diverticula, leading to complications like perforation, which can result in localized or generalized peritonitis if not managed promptly. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as CT scans, which can reveal the presence of abscesses and perforations, and laboratory tests that may indicate infection or inflammation. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent severe complications and improve patient outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires imaging and clinical correlation.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve surgical intervention and management of abscesses.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging reports are essential.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other diverticular diseases.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of diverticulitis severity.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding abscess management.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to lack of supporting documentation for surgical procedures.

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

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of K57.40 lies in its potential complications, which can lead to increased morbidity and healthcare utilization. Diverticulitis is prevalent in the aging population, and its complications can significantly impact quality of life and healthcare costs. Understanding the epidemiology of diverticulitis and its complications is crucial for healthcare providers to implement effective management strategies and improve patient outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of K57.40 lies in its potential complications, which can lead to increased morbidity and healthcare utilization. Diverticulitis is prevalent in the aging population, and its complications can significantly impact quality of life and healthcare costs. Understanding the epidemiology of diverticulitis and its complications is crucial for healthcare providers to implement effective management strategies and improve patient outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of the case, the need for surgical intervention, and the associated costs of imaging studies. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for procedures performed. It is essential to ensure that all clinical findings, imaging results, and treatment plans are thoroughly documented to support the coding and billing process.

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 K57.40?

K57.40 covers diverticulitis of both the small and large intestines with perforation and abscess formation, specifically without any bleeding. It is critical to differentiate this from diverticulitis without complications or with bleeding.

When should K57.40 be used instead of related codes?

K57.40 should be used when there is clear evidence of perforation and abscess formation in the context of diverticulitis. If there are no complications, codes like K57.30 or K57.20 may be more appropriate.

What documentation supports K57.40?

Documentation should include clinical findings, imaging results showing perforation and abscess, surgical notes if applicable, and any laboratory results indicating infection. Comprehensive notes on the patient's history and symptoms are also essential.