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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK63.81

K63.81

Billable

Dieulafoy lesion of intestine

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K63.81 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of dieulafoy lesion of intestine.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Dieulafoy lesion of the intestine is a rare vascular anomaly characterized by a large, tortuous artery that can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. Typically located in the stomach or small intestine, these lesions are often asymptomatic until they rupture, causing significant hemorrhage. Clinically, patients may present with hematemesis, melena, or signs of acute blood loss, such as hypotension and tachycardia. The anatomy involved includes the submucosal layer of the gastrointestinal tract, where the abnormal artery resides. Disease progression can vary; while some patients may experience intermittent bleeding, others may have life-threatening episodes requiring urgent intervention. Diagnosis often involves endoscopy, which can visualize the lesion and allow for therapeutic measures such as cauterization or clipping. Imaging studies like CT angiography may also assist in identifying the lesion and assessing the extent of bleeding. Early recognition and management are crucial to prevent severe complications associated with this condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires specialized imaging and endoscopic evaluation.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve surgical intervention or endoscopic therapy.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging reports are essential.
  • Coding specificity: Specific to Dieulafoy lesions, differentiating from other gastrointestinal bleeding codes.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification with general gastrointestinal bleeding codes.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding the nature of the lesion.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if the lesion is not clearly documented as a Dieulafoy lesion.

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

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

Dieulafoy lesions, while rare, can have significant clinical implications due to their potential for severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Understanding this condition is vital for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare utilization associated with emergency interventions. Epidemiologically, awareness of Dieulafoy lesions can enhance the identification and management of gastrointestinal bleeding, ultimately contributing to better quality measures in healthcare.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Dieulafoy lesions, while rare, can have significant clinical implications due to their potential for severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Understanding this condition is vital for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare utilization associated with emergency interventions. Epidemiologically, awareness of Dieulafoy lesions can enhance the identification and management of gastrointestinal bleeding, ultimately contributing to better quality measures in healthcare.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of the procedure performed, and it is essential to use the correct CPT codes that correspond to the interventions. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or misclassification of the condition, so adherence to coding best practices is crucial to minimize audit risks.

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 K63.81?

K63.81 specifically covers Dieulafoy lesions of the intestine, which are characterized by a large, aberrant artery that can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. It is important to differentiate this condition from other causes of gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

When should K63.81 be used instead of related codes?

K63.81 should be used when a Dieulafoy lesion is confirmed through endoscopy or imaging, particularly when it is the source of gastrointestinal bleeding. It is distinct from general bleeding codes, which do not specify the underlying vascular anomaly.

What documentation supports K63.81?

Documentation should include endoscopic findings, imaging results, and clinical notes detailing the patient's presentation, treatment provided, and any interventions performed related to the Dieulafoy lesion.