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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK66.0

K66.0

Billable

Peritoneal adhesions (postprocedural) (postinfection)

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K66.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of peritoneal adhesions (postprocedural) (postinfection).

Key Diagnostic Point:

Peritoneal adhesions (postprocedural) (postinfection) refer to fibrous bands that form between abdominal tissues and organs following surgical procedures or infections. These adhesions can cause pain, bowel obstruction, and other gastrointestinal complications. The peritoneum, a membrane lining the abdominal cavity, becomes inflamed due to surgical trauma or infection, leading to the formation of scar tissue. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Diagnosis often involves imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans, which may reveal signs of obstruction or abnormal tissue. The progression of peritoneal adhesions can lead to chronic pain and recurrent bowel obstructions, necessitating surgical intervention in severe cases. Understanding the anatomy involved, particularly the intestines and surrounding structures, is crucial for effective management. Diagnostic considerations include ruling out other causes of abdominal pain and ensuring that the adhesions are indeed the source of the symptoms.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

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

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors include misclassifying the type of adhesion or failing to document the postprocedural nature.
  • Documentation gaps may arise if the surgical history is not clearly outlined.
  • Billing challenges often occur when the necessity of surgical intervention is not well-supported by clinical documentation.

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

Peritoneal adhesions significantly impact patient quality of life and can lead to increased healthcare utilization due to complications such as bowel obstruction. They are a common cause of chronic abdominal pain and can result in repeated hospital visits and surgeries. Understanding the epidemiology of adhesions is crucial, as they affect a substantial portion of patients undergoing abdominal surgery, highlighting the need for effective management strategies and preventive measures in surgical practice.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Peritoneal adhesions significantly impact patient quality of life and can lead to increased healthcare utilization due to complications such as bowel obstruction. They are a common cause of chronic abdominal pain and can result in repeated hospital visits and surgeries. Understanding the epidemiology of adhesions is crucial, as they affect a substantial portion of patients undergoing abdominal surgery, highlighting the need for effective management strategies and preventive measures in surgical practice.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement may be affected by the specificity of the documentation, particularly in cases where surgical intervention is required. Common denials may arise if the medical necessity is not adequately justified. Coders should ensure that all relevant surgical history and imaging results are included in the patient's medical record to support the claim. Best practices include using precise coding and maintaining thorough documentation to avoid potential audits and denials.

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 K66.0?

K66.0 covers peritoneal adhesions that arise specifically as a result of surgical procedures or infections. This includes adhesions formed after abdominal surgeries such as appendectomy, cesarean section, or bowel surgery, as well as those resulting from peritoneal infections.

When should K66.0 be used instead of related codes?

K66.0 should be used when the adhesions are specifically postprocedural or postinfectious in nature. If adhesions are due to other causes, such as congenital factors or trauma not related to surgery, different codes should be selected.

What documentation supports K66.0?

Documentation should include a detailed surgical history, notes on the nature of the procedure, any post-surgical complications, and imaging results that confirm the presence of adhesions. Clinical notes should also describe the patient's symptoms and how they relate to the adhesions.