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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK60.41

K60.41

Non-billable

Rectal fistula, simple

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K60.41 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of rectal fistula, simple.

Key Diagnostic Point:

K60.41 refers to a simple rectal fistula, which is an abnormal connection between the rectum and the skin surrounding the anus. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as pain, swelling, and discharge of pus or fecal matter from the external opening. The anatomy involved includes the rectum, anal canal, and perianal skin. Disease progression can vary; a simple rectal fistula may arise from conditions such as abscess formation or inflammatory bowel disease but is typically less complex than a complex fistula, which may involve multiple tracts or surrounding structures. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough physical examination, imaging studies such as MRI or ultrasound, and possibly endoscopy to assess the extent of the fistula. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for determining appropriate management, which may include surgical intervention or conservative treatment options.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Moderate; requires imaging and clinical evaluation.
  • Treatment complexity: Moderate; may involve surgical repair.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed documentation of symptoms and diagnostic findings is essential.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from complex fistulas.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification as a complex fistula.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records of symptoms or treatment plans.
  • Billing challenges: Denials due to lack of supporting documentation for 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

Colorectal 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 K60.41 lies in its potential to affect patient quality of life due to discomfort and complications associated with rectal fistulas. In terms of population health, timely diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of more severe gastrointestinal complications and improve overall healthcare utilization. Quality measures may include monitoring the rates of surgical interventions and patient satisfaction post-treatment. Epidemiologically, rectal fistulas can be associated with various gastrointestinal disorders, making awareness and proper coding essential for effective healthcare delivery.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of K60.41 lies in its potential to affect patient quality of life due to discomfort and complications associated with rectal fistulas. In terms of population health, timely diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of more severe gastrointestinal complications and improve overall healthcare utilization. Quality measures may include monitoring the rates of surgical interventions and patient satisfaction post-treatment. Epidemiologically, rectal fistulas can be associated with various gastrointestinal disorders, making awareness and proper coding essential for effective healthcare delivery.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement. Regular audits of coding practices can help identify areas for improvement in documentation and billing processes.

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 K60.41?

K60.41 specifically covers simple rectal fistulas that do not involve complex tracts or surrounding structures. It is typically associated with conditions like perianal abscesses or minor inflammatory bowel disease.

When should K60.41 be used instead of related codes?

K60.41 should be used when the fistula is classified as simple, without additional complications or multiple tracts, distinguishing it from K60.43 for complex rectal fistulas.

What documentation supports K60.41?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical history, physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans. Evidence of the fistula's simplicity and absence of complications is critical.