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 CodesK63.9

K63.9

Billable

Disease of intestine, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K63.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of disease of intestine, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

K63.9 refers to diseases of the intestine that are unspecified, indicating a broad category of gastrointestinal conditions that may not have a clear diagnosis. The intestines, comprising the small intestine and large intestine, are crucial for digestion and nutrient absorption. Conditions may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, but without a definitive diagnosis, the underlying pathology remains unclear. Disease progression can vary widely, from benign conditions to more serious issues like inflammatory bowel disease or malignancies. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history, physical examination, imaging studies, and possibly endoscopic evaluations to rule out specific diseases. The lack of specificity in K63.9 necessitates careful clinical judgment to ensure appropriate management and follow-up, as the underlying cause of intestinal symptoms can significantly impact treatment strategies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: The unspecified nature of K63.9 can complicate diagnosis and treatment.
  • Treatment complexity: Management may vary widely depending on the underlying cause, which is not specified.
  • Documentation requirements: Requires comprehensive documentation to justify the use of an unspecified code.
  • Coding specificity: Lacks specificity compared to more defined codes, making it less ideal for precise coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misuse of K63.9 when a more specific code is available.
  • Documentation gaps: Insufficient clinical documentation to support the use of an unspecified code.
  • Billing challenges: Potential for claim denials due to lack of specificity in 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

Internal Medicine

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

The clinical significance of K63.9 lies in its representation of a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders that can affect patient quality of life and healthcare utilization. The lack of specificity may lead to challenges in population health management and quality measures, as it complicates the tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes. Understanding the epidemiological aspects of unspecified intestinal diseases can help healthcare providers develop better management strategies and improve patient care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of K63.9 lies in its representation of a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders that can affect patient quality of life and healthcare utilization. The lack of specificity may lead to challenges in population health management and quality measures, as it complicates the tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes. Understanding the epidemiological aspects of unspecified intestinal diseases can help healthcare providers develop better management strategies and improve patient care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations may vary based on the payer, and providers should be aware of the potential for reduced reimbursement rates for unspecified codes.

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 K63.9?

K63.9 encompasses a variety of intestinal diseases that do not have a specific diagnosis, including but not limited to nonspecific intestinal inflammation, functional bowel disorders, and other gastrointestinal complaints without a defined etiology.

When should K63.9 be used instead of related codes?

K63.9 should be used when the clinician has determined that the intestinal disease is present but has not yet identified a specific condition. It is appropriate when more specific codes cannot be justified based on clinical findings.

What documentation supports K63.9?

Documentation should include a detailed patient history, physical examination findings, results from imaging studies, and any laboratory tests performed. Clear notes on the clinical rationale for using an unspecified code are essential.