ICD-10 Guide

R10.83

Colic

BILLABLE STATUSYes

IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015

LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R10.83 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of colic.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Colic is characterized by severe, often fluctuating pain in the abdomen that is caused by the intestine or other parts of the digestive tract undergoing spasms. It is commonly associated with infants but can occur in adults as well. In infants, colic is typically defined as excessive crying and fussiness, often occurring in the late afternoon or evening, and is not necessarily linked to any underlying medical condition. In adults, colic may present as intermittent abdominal pain due to various gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or bowel obstruction. Symptoms may include cramping, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Clinical evaluation often involves a thorough history and physical examination, and may include imaging studies or laboratory tests to rule out other conditions. Abnormal findings may include tenderness upon palpation, changes in bowel sounds, or imaging results indicating obstruction or inflammation. Understanding the underlying cause of colic is essential for effective management and treatment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

Variety of potential underlying causes
Overlap with other gastrointestinal conditions
Need for thorough documentation of symptoms
Potential for misdiagnosis

Audit Risk Factors

Inadequate documentation of symptom severity and duration
Failure to specify if colic is in an infant or adult
Misclassification of colic as a symptom of another condition
Lack of supporting diagnostic tests or imaging

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of symptoms, including onset, duration, and associated factors. Documentation of any diagnostic tests performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms, requiring differentiation from other conditions.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of chronic conditions like IBS that may present with colic-like symptoms.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation must include a thorough assessment of abdominal pain, vital signs, and any immediate interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute abdominal pain that may require urgent imaging or surgical evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment to rule out life-threatening conditions such as bowel obstruction or perforation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R10.83 When

Follow official ICD
CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of symptoms and any relevant diagnostic findings
Use additional codes as necessary to capture related conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R10.83 When

No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits for patients with colic symptoms.

Documentation Requirements

Document history of present illness, review of systems, and any physical exam findings.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine may require more detailed documentation compared to emergency medicine.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like colic, improving the ability to capture the complexity of gastrointestinal disorders.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like colic, improving the ability to capture the complexity of gastrointestinal disorders.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like colic, improving the ability to capture the complexity of gastrointestinal disorders.

Resources

Clinical References

•
ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

•
ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary symptom of colic?

The primary symptom of colic is severe abdominal pain that is often intermittent and can be accompanied by bloating and changes in bowel habits.

ICD-10 R10.83 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of colic.