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 CodesK60.429

K60.429

Billable

Rectal fistula, complex, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K60.429 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rectal fistula, complex, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

K60.429 refers to a complex rectal fistula that is unspecified in nature. A rectal fistula is an abnormal connection between the rectum and the skin or another organ, often resulting from inflammatory bowel disease, trauma, or surgical complications. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as persistent drainage, pain, and fecal incontinence. The anatomy involved typically includes the rectum, anal canal, and surrounding tissues. Disease progression can lead to significant morbidity, including recurrent infections and abscess formation. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination, imaging studies like MRI or ultrasound, and possibly endoscopic evaluation to assess the extent and complexity of the fistula. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for determining the appropriate management strategy, which may involve surgical intervention, medical therapy, or a combination of both. The complexity of the condition often necessitates a multidisciplinary approach for optimal patient outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

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

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors include misclassification of the type of fistula.
  • Documentation gaps may arise from insufficient detail on the complexity and associated conditions.
  • Billing challenges can occur due to the need for extensive documentation to justify the complexity of treatment.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Colorectal 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

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

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

The clinical significance of K60.429 lies in its association with chronic gastrointestinal conditions that can severely impact a patient's quality of life. The prevalence of rectal fistulas is increasing, particularly among patients with inflammatory bowel disease, leading to heightened healthcare utilization. Understanding the epidemiology of complex rectal fistulas can inform quality measures and improve population health outcomes by facilitating targeted interventions and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of K60.429 lies in its association with chronic gastrointestinal conditions that can severely impact a patient's quality of life. The prevalence of rectal fistulas is increasing, particularly among patients with inflammatory bowel disease, leading to heightened healthcare utilization. Understanding the epidemiology of complex rectal fistulas can inform quality measures and improve population health outcomes by facilitating targeted interventions and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the need for pre-authorization for surgical interventions and ensuring that all related services are documented to avoid denials. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity. Best practices include maintaining clear and detailed clinical notes, ensuring that all procedures are coded accurately, and following payer-specific guidelines for 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 K60.429?

K60.429 encompasses complex rectal fistulas that do not have a specified cause, including those resulting from inflammatory bowel disease, trauma, or surgical complications. It is important to differentiate it from simpler fistulas that may have a clear etiology.

When should K60.429 be used instead of related codes?

K60.429 should be used when the rectal fistula is complex and unspecified, particularly when the clinician cannot determine the exact nature or cause of the fistula, distinguishing it from codes that specify simpler or more defined fistula types.

What documentation supports K60.429?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical assessment, imaging results, and any relevant surgical history. Notes should clearly outline the complexity of the fistula and any associated symptoms or complications to support the use of this code.