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
DiagnosesAbdominal Abscess

Abdominal Abscess

ICD-10 Coding for Abdominal Abscess(K65.1, K63.0)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYSurgery
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Abdominal Abscess?
Essential facts and insights about Abdominal Abscess

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Presence of localized or diffuse abdominal pain
  • Fever, nausea, vomiting, or other signs of systemic infection
  • Abdominal distention or tenderness upon physical examination
  • Confirmation of abscess through imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Detailed description of patient's symptoms and clinical findings
  • Specific location and size of the abscess
  • Results of imaging studies or other diagnostic procedures
  • Treatment plan including any surgical procedures or antibiotic therapy

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • K65.1 is used for peritoneal abscess, while K63.0 is used for abscess of intestine
  • K65.1 should not be used if the abscess is specified as retroperitoneal (K68.1)

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Retroperitoneal abscess (K68.1)
  • Abscess of appendix (K35.3)

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
K65.1
Peritoneal Abscess
K63.0
Abscess of intestine
Ancillary Codes
B95.6
Differential Codes
K63.0
K65.1

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Surgery

Specialty Applications

  • Intra-abdominal abscess
  • Peritoneal abscess
  • Abscess of intestine

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Template 1

Patient presents with symptoms consistent with abdominal abscess, including [detailed symptoms].

Template 2

Imaging studies reveal a [size] abscess located in the [specific location].

Template 3

Treatment plan includes [specific treatments].

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can K65.1 and K63.0 be used interchangeably?

No, K65.1 is used for peritoneal abscess, while K63.0 is used for abscess of intestine.

When should this code be used?

These codes should be used when a patient is diagnosed with an abdominal or intestinal abscess confirmed by clinical and imaging findings.