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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK63.82

K63.82

Non-billable

Intestinal microbial overgrowth

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K63.82 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of intestinal microbial overgrowth.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Intestinal microbial overgrowth (IMO) is characterized by an abnormal increase in the number of bacteria in the small intestine, which can lead to various gastrointestinal symptoms. Clinically, patients may present with bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and malabsorption of nutrients, which can result in weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. The anatomy involved primarily includes the small intestine, where the overgrowth disrupts normal digestion and absorption processes. Disease progression can vary; if left untreated, it may lead to chronic gastrointestinal issues and complications such as vitamin deficiencies and intestinal damage. Diagnostic considerations include clinical evaluation, patient history, and specific tests such as breath tests or small intestine aspirate cultures to confirm the presence of excessive bacteria. It is crucial to differentiate IMO from other gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or celiac disease, to ensure appropriate management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires specific tests and differential diagnosis.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve dietary changes, antibiotics, or probiotics.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical history and test results needed.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from similar conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentification of the condition or use of non-specific codes.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete patient history or lack of test results.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to insufficient documentation or incorrect code usage.

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

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Intestinal microbial overgrowth has significant clinical implications, affecting patient quality of life and nutritional status. It is increasingly recognized in the context of population health, as it may contribute to broader gastrointestinal disorders and impact healthcare utilization patterns. Understanding and addressing this condition can improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on healthcare systems, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Intestinal microbial overgrowth has significant clinical implications, affecting patient quality of life and nutritional status. It is increasingly recognized in the context of population health, as it may contribute to broader gastrointestinal disorders and impact healthcare utilization patterns. Understanding and addressing this condition can improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on healthcare systems, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical evidence and that all relevant tests are documented. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to provide evidence of the medical necessity for testing and treatment. Best practices include maintaining thorough records of patient symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans to support claims and reduce the risk of audits.

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 K63.82?

K63.82 covers intestinal microbial overgrowth, which may include conditions such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and other related gastrointestinal dysbiosis. Diagnostic criteria typically involve symptoms of malabsorption, bloating, and confirmation through breath tests or cultures.

When should K63.82 be used instead of related codes?

K63.82 should be used when there is clear evidence of microbial overgrowth in the small intestine, confirmed through diagnostic testing. It is distinct from other codes that may pertain to general gastrointestinal symptoms without specific microbial involvement.

What documentation supports K63.82?

Documentation supporting K63.82 should include a thorough clinical history, symptom description, results from diagnostic tests (e.g., breath tests), and any relevant imaging studies. Clear documentation of the treatment plan and patient response is also essential.