Radiation proctitis
ICD-10 K62.7 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of radiation proctitis.
Radiation proctitis is an inflammatory condition of the rectum that occurs as a result of radiation therapy, primarily used in the treatment of pelvic malignancies such as prostate, cervical, or rectal cancer. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms including rectal bleeding, diarrhea, urgency, and tenesmus. The anatomy involved includes the rectal mucosa, which becomes damaged due to radiation exposure, leading to mucosal inflammation and ulceration. Disease progression can vary; acute radiation proctitis typically occurs within weeks of radiation exposure, while chronic radiation proctitis may develop months to years later, characterized by persistent symptoms and potential complications such as strictures or fistulas. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history, physical examination, and possibly endoscopic evaluation to assess the extent of mucosal damage and rule out other causes of rectal symptoms. Biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and assess for any malignancy.
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
K62.7 specifically covers radiation proctitis, which includes both acute and chronic forms of rectal inflammation resulting from radiation therapy. It does not encompass other rectal conditions unless they are directly related to radiation exposure.
K62.7 should be used when the patient's rectal symptoms are directly attributable to prior radiation therapy. It is important to differentiate from other gastrointestinal disorders that may present similarly but are not related to radiation exposure.
Documentation should include a detailed history of radiation therapy, symptom onset and duration, any prior treatments, and results from diagnostic procedures such as colonoscopy or imaging studies that confirm the diagnosis of radiation proctitis.
