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 CodesK57.8

K57.8

Non-billable

Diverticulitis of intestine, part unspecified, with perforation and abscess

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K57.8 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of diverticulitis of intestine, part unspecified, with perforation and abscess.

Key Diagnostic Point:

K57.8 refers to diverticulitis of the intestine, part unspecified, with perforation and abscess. This condition occurs when diverticula, which are small pouches that can form in the walls of the intestines, become inflamed or infected. The inflammation can lead to perforation, where a hole forms in the intestinal wall, allowing intestinal contents to leak into the abdominal cavity, potentially causing peritonitis, a serious infection. Clinical presentation often includes severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and changes in bowel habits. The anatomy involved primarily includes the colon, although diverticula can form in other parts of the intestine. Disease progression can vary; if untreated, diverticulitis can lead to complications such as abscess formation, fistulas, or bowel obstruction. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as CT scans, which can reveal the presence of diverticula, inflammation, and any associated abscesses. Laboratory tests may also be conducted to assess for infection and inflammation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity
  • Treatment complexity
  • Documentation requirements
  • Coding specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors
  • Documentation gaps
  • Billing challenges

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

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Diverticulitis with perforation and abscess is a significant health concern, leading to increased healthcare utilization, including emergency visits and surgical interventions. It can impact population health due to its prevalence in older adults and those with dietary risk factors. Quality measures often focus on timely diagnosis and management to prevent complications, highlighting the importance of effective coding and documentation in improving patient outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Diverticulitis with perforation and abscess is a significant health concern, leading to increased healthcare utilization, including emergency visits and surgical interventions. It can impact population health due to its prevalence in older adults and those with dietary risk factors. Quality measures often focus on timely diagnosis and management to prevent complications, highlighting the importance of effective coding and documentation in improving patient outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement may be affected by the severity of the condition and the complexity of treatment provided. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity. Coders should ensure that all relevant details are captured in the medical record to support the diagnosis and any procedures performed, following best practices for coding and billing.

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 K57.8?

K57.8 covers diverticulitis of the intestine with perforation and abscess. This includes cases where diverticula have become inflamed and have led to complications such as abscess formation or perforation of the intestinal wall.

When should K57.8 be used instead of related codes?

K57.8 should be used when there is clear evidence of perforation and abscess in the context of diverticulitis. If there are no complications, codes like K57.0 or K57.1 should be considered instead.

What documentation supports K57.8?

Documentation must include clinical findings of diverticulitis, imaging results indicating perforation and abscess, and any surgical notes if applicable. Detailed notes on the patient's symptoms and treatment plan are also essential.