Left sided colitis
ICD-10 K51.5 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of left sided colitis.
Left-sided colitis, a subtype of ulcerative colitis, primarily affects the descending colon and rectum. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea (often bloody), urgency to defecate, and weight loss. The inflammation is localized to the left side of the colon, which can lead to complications like strictures or perforation if untreated. The anatomy involved includes the descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum, with inflammation typically extending from the rectum upwards. Disease progression can vary, with some patients experiencing intermittent flares and periods of remission. Diagnostic considerations include colonoscopy with biopsy, imaging studies, and laboratory tests to rule out infections or other gastrointestinal disorders. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management, which may involve medications such as aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, or immunomodulators, and in severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.
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
K51.5 specifically covers left-sided colitis, which is characterized by inflammation of the colon extending from the rectum to the descending colon. It includes symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and urgency, and is a form of ulcerative colitis.
K51.5 should be used when the clinical documentation specifies left-sided colitis. It is important to differentiate it from other forms of ulcerative colitis (like K51.0) and Crohn's disease (K50) based on the location and extent of inflammation.
Documentation should include clinical findings from colonoscopy, biopsy results indicating inflammation in the descending colon, and a detailed history of symptoms. Treatment plans and response to therapy should also be recorded to support the diagnosis.
