Ulcerative (chronic) pancolitis with complications
ICD-10 K51.01 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of ulcerative (chronic) pancolitis with complications.
Ulcerative pancolitis is a severe form of ulcerative colitis that affects the entire colon. Clinically, patients present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea (often bloody), urgency, and weight loss. The disease is characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the colonic mucosa, leading to complications such as perforation, toxic megacolon, and increased risk of colorectal cancer. The anatomy involved includes the entire colon, from the cecum to the rectum, and the inflammation can extend to the surrounding tissues. Disease progression can vary, with periods of exacerbation and remission. Diagnostic considerations include colonoscopy with biopsy, imaging studies, and laboratory tests to rule out infections and other gastrointestinal disorders. The diagnosis of K51.01 specifically indicates the presence of complications, which may include severe bleeding, abscess formation, or colonic dilation, necessitating careful monitoring and management.
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
K51.01 covers ulcerative pancolitis with complications such as severe bleeding, perforation, or toxic megacolon. It is essential to document the specific complications present to justify this code.
K51.01 should be used when the patient has ulcerative pancolitis affecting the entire colon with documented complications. If there are no complications, K51.00 should be used instead.
Documentation should include clinical findings from colonoscopy, biopsy results, imaging studies, and a detailed account of the patient's symptoms and complications.
