Unspecified appendicitis
Chapter 11:Diseases of the digestive system
ICD-10 K37 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified appendicitis.
Unspecified appendicitis (K37) refers to an inflammatory condition of the appendix that is not further classified as acute or chronic. Clinically, patients may present with abdominal pain, typically localized in the right lower quadrant, nausea, vomiting, and fever. The anatomy involved includes the appendix, a small, tube-like structure attached to the cecum of the large intestine. Disease progression can vary; if untreated, appendicitis can lead to complications such as perforation, abscess formation, or peritonitis. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans, and laboratory tests to assess for signs of infection or inflammation. The diagnosis of unspecified appendicitis is often made when the clinical presentation aligns with appendicitis but lacks definitive imaging or pathological confirmation of the type of appendicitis, necessitating careful clinical judgment and documentation to support the diagnosis.
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
K37 covers cases of appendicitis where the type is not specified, including instances where the clinical presentation suggests appendicitis but lacks definitive imaging or pathological confirmation.
K37 should be used when appendicitis is suspected but not definitively classified as acute or chronic, ensuring that the clinical documentation supports the diagnosis of unspecified appendicitis.
Documentation must include a detailed account of the patient's symptoms, clinical findings, results from imaging studies, and any laboratory tests that support the diagnosis of appendicitis.
