Ulcerative colitis, unspecified with unspecified complications
ICD-10 K51.919 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, unspecified with unspecified complications.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the colonic mucosa. The condition primarily affects the rectum and can extend proximally to involve the entire colon. Clinical presentation often includes symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea (which may be bloody), urgency to defecate, and weight loss. The etiology of UC remains unclear, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Disease progression can vary, with some patients experiencing intermittent flares and periods of remission. Complications may include severe dehydration, toxic megacolon, and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies, along with endoscopic evaluation to visualize the colon and obtain biopsies. The unspecified nature of K51.919 indicates that the specific location of the ulcerative colitis and the nature of any complications have not been documented, necessitating careful clinical assessment to guide 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
K51.919 covers ulcerative colitis without specifying the extent of the disease or any associated complications. It is used when the clinician has not documented the specific type or severity of ulcerative colitis.
K51.919 should be used when the clinical documentation does not specify the type of ulcerative colitis or if complications are not clearly defined. If more specific codes are available and applicable, they should be used to enhance coding accuracy.
Documentation should include a detailed patient history, physical examination findings, laboratory results, imaging studies, and endoscopic evaluations. Clear notes on the absence of specific complications or the extent of the disease are crucial.
