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 CodesK25.2

K25.2

Billable

Acute gastric ulcer with both hemorrhage and perforation

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K25.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute gastric ulcer with both hemorrhage and perforation.

Key Diagnostic Point:

K25.2 refers to an acute gastric ulcer characterized by the presence of both hemorrhage and perforation. This condition arises when the protective mucosal layer of the stomach is compromised, leading to ulceration that penetrates the gastric wall. Clinically, patients may present with severe abdominal pain, hematemesis (vomiting blood), melena (black, tarry stools), and signs of peritonitis due to perforation. The anatomy involved includes the gastric mucosa, submucosa, and muscularis layers, with potential involvement of surrounding structures if perforation occurs. Disease progression can be rapid, with complications such as sepsis or shock due to significant blood loss or peritoneal contamination. Diagnostic considerations include endoscopy, imaging studies (like CT scans), and laboratory tests to assess hemoglobin levels and signs of infection. Timely intervention is critical to manage this life-threatening condition effectively.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity
  • Treatment complexity
  • Documentation requirements
  • Coding specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors
  • Documentation gaps
  • Billing challenges

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

General Surgery

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

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of K25.2 is profound, as it represents a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention. The population health impact includes increased hospital admissions and healthcare costs associated with managing complications. Quality measures may focus on timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent adverse outcomes. Understanding the epidemiology of gastric ulcers, including risk factors such as NSAID use and Helicobacter pylori infection, is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare utilization.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of K25.2 is profound, as it represents a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention. The population health impact includes increased hospital admissions and healthcare costs associated with managing complications. Quality measures may focus on timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent adverse outcomes. Understanding the epidemiology of gastric ulcers, including risk factors such as NSAID use and Helicobacter pylori infection, is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare utilization.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement may be affected by the severity of the condition and the complexity of the treatment provided. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation of the complications or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for procedures performed. Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical details are captured in the medical record to support the coding and billing process.

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 K25.2?

K25.2 covers acute gastric ulcers that are complicated by both hemorrhage and perforation. This includes ulcers that have resulted in significant bleeding and those that have created a hole in the stomach wall, leading to potential peritonitis.

When should K25.2 be used instead of related codes?

K25.2 should be used when a patient presents with an acute gastric ulcer that is specifically associated with both hemorrhage and perforation. If only one of these complications is present, other codes such as K25.0 or K25.1 should be considered.

What documentation supports K25.2?

Documentation should include clinical findings of hemorrhage (e.g., lab results showing anemia, evidence of blood in vomit or stool) and imaging or surgical reports confirming perforation. Detailed notes on the patient's symptoms, treatment plan, and response to therapy are also essential.