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 CodesK57.81

K57.81

Billable

Diverticulitis of intestine, part unspecified, with perforation and abscess with bleeding

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K57.81 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of diverticulitis of intestine, part unspecified, with perforation and abscess with bleeding.

Key Diagnostic Point:

K57.81 refers to diverticulitis of the intestine, part unspecified, with perforation and abscess with bleeding. This condition arises when diverticula, small pouches that can form in the walls of the intestines, become inflamed or infected. The inflammation can lead to perforation, where a hole forms in the intestinal wall, potentially allowing intestinal contents to leak into the abdominal cavity. This can result in the formation of an abscess, a localized collection of pus that can cause significant abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits. The bleeding associated with this condition may be due to erosion of blood vessels in the inflamed area or from the abscess itself. Clinically, patients may present with acute abdominal pain, tenderness, and signs of systemic infection. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as CT scans to confirm the presence of diverticulitis, perforation, and abscess formation. Laboratory tests may reveal leukocytosis and other signs of infection. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent complications such as peritonitis or sepsis.

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 complications
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging results needed
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other diverticulitis codes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of diverticulitis severity
  • Documentation gaps: Lack of detailed clinical notes on complications
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to insufficient documentation of the acute nature of the condition

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

K57.81 has significant clinical implications as it represents a severe form of diverticulitis that can lead to serious complications, including sepsis and peritonitis. The prevalence of diverticular disease is increasing, particularly in aging populations, making it a critical area for healthcare providers. Effective management of this condition can improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare utilization, and enhance quality measures related to gastrointestinal health.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

K57.81 has significant clinical implications as it represents a severe form of diverticulitis that can lead to serious complications, including sepsis and peritonitis. The prevalence of diverticular disease is increasing, particularly in aging populations, making it a critical area for healthcare providers. Effective management of this condition can improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare utilization, and enhance quality measures related to gastrointestinal health.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 K57.81?

K57.81 covers diverticulitis with perforation and abscess formation accompanied by bleeding. It is important to document the presence of these complications to justify the use of this specific code.

When should K57.81 be used instead of related codes?

K57.81 should be used when there is clear evidence of perforation, abscess, and bleeding associated with diverticulitis. If these complications are absent, other codes such as K57.80 should be considered.

What documentation supports K57.81?

Documentation should include clinical findings, imaging results confirming perforation and abscess, laboratory results indicating infection, and a thorough history of the patient's symptoms.