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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK57.90

K57.90

Billable

Diverticulosis of intestine, part unspecified, without perforation or abscess without bleeding

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K57.90 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of diverticulosis of intestine, part unspecified, without perforation or abscess without bleeding.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Diverticulosis of the intestine, part unspecified, is a condition characterized by the presence of diverticula, which are small pouches that can form in the wall of the intestine, particularly the colon. Clinically, patients may be asymptomatic or may present with mild abdominal discomfort, bloating, or changes in bowel habits. The anatomy involved primarily includes the large intestine, where diverticula typically develop due to increased intraluminal pressure and weakened colonic walls. Disease progression can lead to complications such as diverticulitis, perforation, or abscess formation, but K57.90 specifically denotes the absence of these complications. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as CT scans or colonoscopy to confirm the presence of diverticula and rule out other gastrointestinal disorders. It is crucial to differentiate diverticulosis from diverticulitis, as the latter requires different management strategies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Moderate, as it requires imaging and clinical correlation.
  • Treatment complexity: Low, typically managed with dietary modifications and monitoring.
  • Documentation requirements: Moderate, necessitating clear documentation of symptoms and diagnostic findings.
  • Coding specificity: Medium, as it requires precise coding to differentiate from diverticulitis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of diverticulosis as diverticulitis.
  • Documentation gaps: Lack of detailed clinical notes regarding symptoms and diagnostic tests.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if documentation does not clearly support the 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

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

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Diverticulosis is a prevalent condition, particularly in older adults, and its management is significant for population health. Understanding the epidemiology of diverticulosis can help healthcare providers implement preventive strategies and improve patient outcomes. Quality measures may include monitoring dietary habits and patient education on diverticular disease, which can reduce healthcare utilization and associated costs.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Diverticulosis is a prevalent condition, particularly in older adults, and its management is significant for population health. Understanding the epidemiology of diverticulosis can help healthcare providers implement preventive strategies and improve patient outcomes. Quality measures may include monitoring dietary habits and patient education on diverticular disease, which can reduce healthcare utilization and associated costs.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include verifying the patient's insurance coverage for diagnostic imaging and any related office visits. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or misclassification of the condition. Best practices include maintaining thorough clinical notes, ensuring accurate coding, and regularly reviewing payer guidelines to avoid billing issues.

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 K57.90?

K57.90 covers diverticulosis of the intestine without complications such as perforation, abscess, or bleeding. It is important to note that this code is used when the diverticula are present but not inflamed or infected.

When should K57.90 be used instead of related codes?

K57.90 should be used when there is a confirmed diagnosis of diverticulosis without any associated complications. If the patient presents with diverticulitis or other complications, appropriate codes such as K57.01 or K57.09 should be selected.

What documentation supports K57.90?

Documentation should include a clear diagnosis of diverticulosis, any relevant imaging results (e.g., CT scan or colonoscopy findings), and a description of the patient's symptoms. It is essential to document the absence of complications to justify the use of K57.90.