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 CodesK27.2

K27.2

Billable

Acute peptic ulcer, site unspecified, with both hemorrhage and perforation

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K27.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute peptic ulcer, site unspecified, with both hemorrhage and perforation.

Key Diagnostic Point:

K27.2 refers to an acute peptic ulcer located at an unspecified site, characterized by the presence of both hemorrhage and perforation. Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus, primarily due to the erosion caused by stomach acid. The clinical presentation often includes severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and signs of gastrointestinal bleeding such as melena or hematemesis. The anatomy involved typically includes the gastric mucosa or duodenum, where the ulceration occurs. Disease progression can lead to complications such as perforation, which allows gastric contents to spill into the abdominal cavity, resulting in peritonitis, a life-threatening condition. Diagnostic considerations include endoscopy, imaging studies, and laboratory tests to assess hemoglobin levels and detect Helicobacter pylori infection. Timely diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent severe complications and ensure appropriate management of the ulcer and associated hemorrhage.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires thorough evaluation to differentiate from other gastrointestinal conditions.
  • Treatment complexity: May necessitate surgical intervention in cases of perforation and significant hemorrhage.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes are essential to support the diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to capture the severity and complications of the condition.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of ulcer type or severity.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding the nature of the ulcer and complications.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to insufficient evidence of medical necessity for procedures related to the ulcer.

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 K27.2 lies in its potential for severe complications, including life-threatening hemorrhage and peritonitis. Population health impact is notable, as peptic ulcers affect a substantial portion of the population, with risk factors including NSAID use and H. pylori infection. Quality measures focus on timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications, while healthcare utilization patterns reflect increased emergency department visits and hospital admissions associated with acute presentations. Epidemiologically, understanding the prevalence and risk factors for peptic ulcers is crucial for preventive strategies.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of K27.2 lies in its potential for severe complications, including life-threatening hemorrhage and peritonitis. Population health impact is notable, as peptic ulcers affect a substantial portion of the population, with risk factors including NSAID use and H. pylori infection. Quality measures focus on timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications, while healthcare utilization patterns reflect increased emergency department visits and hospital admissions associated with acute presentations. Epidemiologically, understanding the prevalence and risk factors for peptic ulcers is crucial for preventive strategies.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the severity of the condition, the necessity for surgical intervention, and the use of diagnostic procedures. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for procedures performed. Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical details are captured to support the claim and reduce the risk of audits.

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 K27.2?

K27.2 specifically covers acute peptic ulcers that are accompanied by both hemorrhage and perforation. This includes ulcers that may arise from various etiologies such as NSAID use, stress, or H. pylori infection, leading to acute clinical scenarios requiring immediate medical attention.

When should K27.2 be used instead of related codes?

K27.2 should be used when the clinical documentation indicates an acute peptic ulcer with both hemorrhage and perforation. If the ulcer is chronic or without complications, other codes such as K25 or K26 may be more appropriate.

What documentation supports K27.2?

Documentation must include clinical findings that confirm the presence of an acute peptic ulcer, evidence of hemorrhage (e.g., lab results showing anemia or blood in stool), and imaging or endoscopic findings indicating perforation. Comprehensive notes on the patient's history, treatment plan, and response to interventions are also essential.