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 CodesC17.3

C17.3

Billable

Meckel's diverticulum, malignant

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 C17.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of meckel's diverticulum, malignant.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital anomaly characterized by the presence of a diverticulum in the ileum, which is a remnant of the embryonic vitelline duct. While Meckel's diverticulum is typically benign, malignant transformation can occur, albeit rarely. Malignancies associated with Meckel's diverticulum may include carcinoid tumors, adenocarcinomas, or other rare neoplasms. The clinical presentation of malignant Meckel's diverticulum can be nonspecific, often mimicking other gastrointestinal disorders, which complicates diagnosis. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, or obstruction. Diagnostic challenges arise due to the diverticulum's location and the potential for misdiagnosis as other small intestine pathologies. Imaging studies such as CT scans or MRI may be utilized, but definitive diagnosis often requires histopathological examination following surgical resection. Given the rarity of malignant transformation, awareness and thorough investigation are crucial for timely diagnosis and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Rarity of malignant cases complicates coding accuracy.
  • Potential for misdiagnosis with other gastrointestinal conditions.
  • Need for detailed pathology reports to confirm malignancy.
  • Variability in clinical presentation may lead to coding errors.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of malignancy confirmation.
  • Failure to specify the type of malignancy present.
  • Misclassification of benign diverticulum as malignant.
  • Lack of detailed surgical reports post-resection.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Gastroenterology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on symptoms, imaging results, and pathology findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, or obstruction.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the diverticulum's characteristics and any malignancy.

Surgical Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the surgical approach and findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for suspected malignancy in Meckel's diverticulum.

Billing Considerations

Pathology reports must confirm malignancy for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use C17.3 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the malignancy type and confirmation through pathology
  • Include any relevant clinical findings and imaging results to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use C17.3 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

44120CPT Code

Laparoscopic resection of Meckel's diverticulum

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient undergoes surgery for malignant Meckel's diverticulum.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure the surgical team documents any malignancy findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like malignant Meckel's diverticulum, improving data accuracy and enhancing the ability to track rare malignancies.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like malignant Meckel's diverticulum, improving data accuracy and enhancing the ability to track rare malignancies.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like malignant Meckel's diverticulum, improving data accuracy and enhancing the ability to track rare malignancies.

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 are the common symptoms of malignant Meckel's diverticulum?

Common symptoms include abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, and signs of bowel obstruction. Due to its rarity, these symptoms may often be attributed to other gastrointestinal conditions.