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 CodesK27.0

K27.0

Billable

Acute peptic ulcer, site unspecified, with hemorrhage

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K27.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute peptic ulcer, site unspecified, with hemorrhage.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute peptic ulcer, site unspecified, with hemorrhage, is characterized by a sudden onset of ulceration in the gastric or duodenal mucosa, leading to bleeding. The anatomy involved primarily includes the stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting (which may include blood), and signs of gastrointestinal bleeding such as melena or hematemesis. The disease progression can vary; if untreated, acute peptic ulcers can lead to serious complications including perforation, peritonitis, and significant blood loss. Diagnostic considerations include endoscopy, which allows for direct visualization of the ulcer, and imaging studies to assess for complications. Laboratory tests may reveal anemia due to blood loss. The management of acute peptic ulcers often involves proton pump inhibitors, H2-receptor antagonists, and, in cases of significant hemorrhage, surgical intervention may be necessary. Understanding the underlying causes, such as Helicobacter pylori infection or NSAID use, is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of recurrence.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires differentiation from other gastrointestinal disorders.
  • Treatment complexity: May necessitate surgical intervention in severe cases.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and diagnostic results are essential.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise documentation of hemorrhage and ulcer characteristics.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of ulcer type or severity.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding hemorrhage.
  • Billing challenges: Denials may arise from insufficient evidence of acute presentation or complications.

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 K27.0 lies in its potential for serious complications, including significant morbidity and mortality if not promptly treated. Population health impact includes a notable incidence of peptic ulcers in certain demographics, particularly among those with high NSAID use or H. pylori infections. Quality measures may focus on timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications, while healthcare utilization patterns reflect the need for emergency care and surgical interventions in severe cases.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of K27.0 lies in its potential for serious complications, including significant morbidity and mortality if not promptly treated. Population health impact includes a notable incidence of peptic ulcers in certain demographics, particularly among those with high NSAID use or H. pylori infections. Quality measures may focus on timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications, while healthcare utilization patterns reflect the need for emergency care and surgical interventions in severe cases.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the severity of the condition and the necessity of procedures such as endoscopy or surgery. Common denials may occur if documentation does not clearly establish the acute nature of the ulcer or the presence of hemorrhage. Best practices include ensuring that all clinical findings, treatment plans, and patient responses are thoroughly documented to support the medical necessity of the services provided.

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 K27.0?

K27.0 specifically covers acute peptic ulcers with hemorrhage that are not localized to the stomach or duodenum. It includes cases where the ulcer may not be clearly identified but presents with bleeding.

When should K27.0 be used instead of related codes?

K27.0 should be used when there is an acute peptic ulcer with documented hemorrhage, particularly when the site is unspecified. If the site is known, K25 or K26 should be used instead.

What documentation supports K27.0?

Documentation should include clinical findings of an acute ulcer, evidence of hemorrhage (such as lab results indicating anemia or endoscopic findings), and treatment details. Clear notes on symptoms and diagnostic procedures are critical.