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
DiagnosesPerforated Appendicitis

Perforated Appendicitis

ICD-10 Coding for Perforated Appendicitis(K35.33, K35.32, K35.2XX)

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

Diagnosis Overview

What is Perforated Appendicitis?
Essential facts and insights about Perforated Appendicitis

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Right lower quadrant pain, fever, nausea, vomiting
  • CT scan showing free air or fluid, ultrasound indicating appendiceal inflammation
  • Tenderness in the right lower quadrant, rebound tenderness, guarding

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Patient history, physical examination findings, imaging results, surgical notes
  • ICD-10-CM terminology: 'Perforated appendicitis', 'Acute appendicitis with perforation'
  • Example: 'Patient presented with acute abdominal pain and was diagnosed with perforated appendicitis via CT scan.'

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Follow ICD-10 guidelines for coding perforated appendicitis.
  • Common errors include misclassifying appendicitis as non-perforated.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Non-perforated appendicitis (K35.0)
  • Other gastrointestinal perforations

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
K35.2
Acute appendicitis with perforation
Ancillary Codes
Z53.31
Differential Codes
K35.32
K35.33

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

General Surgery

Specialty Applications

  • Adults and children presenting with acute abdominal pain
  • Emergency departments, surgical units

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

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

Documentation requirements?

Complete history, physical exam, imaging results, and surgical details must be documented.

Billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding to reflect the severity and complexity of the condition for appropriate reimbursement.