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 CodesK66.9

K66.9

Billable

Disorder of peritoneum, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K66.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of disorder of peritoneum, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Disorder of the peritoneum, unspecified (K66.9) refers to a range of conditions affecting the peritoneum, the serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering the abdominal organs. Clinical presentations may include abdominal pain, distension, and signs of peritoneal irritation. The peritoneum plays a crucial role in the digestive system, as it supports the organs and facilitates movement within the abdominal cavity. Disorders can arise from infections, inflammation, or malignancies, leading to complications such as peritonitis or ascites. Disease progression can vary, with acute conditions requiring immediate intervention, while chronic disorders may develop gradually. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, CT scans) and laboratory tests to identify underlying causes. Given the nonspecific nature of this code, it is essential for healthcare providers to conduct thorough evaluations to determine the precise etiology of the peritoneal disorder, as this will guide appropriate management and treatment strategies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Varies based on underlying conditions
  • Treatment complexity: May require surgical intervention or conservative management
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging results needed
  • Coding specificity: Limited specificity may lead to challenges in capturing the exact condition

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misuse of unspecified codes when more specific codes are available
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes that do not clarify the diagnosis
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to lack of specificity in coding

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary medical specialty: 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

Secondary specialty: 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

The clinical significance of K66.9 lies in its association with various gastrointestinal disorders that can affect patient outcomes. Proper identification and management of peritoneal disorders are crucial for preventing complications such as sepsis or bowel obstruction. Population health impact includes the need for effective treatment strategies to reduce hospitalizations and improve quality measures related to gastrointestinal health. Understanding the epidemiology of peritoneal disorders can inform healthcare utilization patterns and guide resource allocation in clinical settings.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of K66.9 lies in its association with various gastrointestinal disorders that can affect patient outcomes. Proper identification and management of peritoneal disorders are crucial for preventing complications such as sepsis or bowel obstruction. Population health impact includes the need for effective treatment strategies to reduce hospitalizations and improve quality measures related to gastrointestinal health. Understanding the epidemiology of peritoneal disorders can inform healthcare utilization patterns and guide resource allocation in clinical settings.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The clinical significance of K66.9 lies in its association with various gastrointestinal disorders that can affect patient outcomes. Proper identification and management of peritoneal disorders are crucial for preventing complications such as sepsis or bowel obstruction. Population health impact includes the need for effective treatment strategies to reduce hospitalizations and improve quality measures related to gastrointestinal health. Understanding the epidemiology of peritoneal disorders can inform healthcare utilization patterns and guide resource allocation in clinical settings.

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 K66.9?

K66.9 encompasses various unspecified disorders of the peritoneum, including but not limited to peritoneal inflammation, irritation, and other non-specific peritoneal conditions that do not fit into more defined categories.

When should K66.9 be used instead of related codes?

K66.9 should be used when the specific cause of the peritoneal disorder is unknown or when the clinical documentation does not support a more specific diagnosis. It is important to ensure that all other potential codes have been considered.

What documentation supports K66.9?

Documentation should include a thorough clinical evaluation, imaging studies, laboratory results, and any relevant history that supports the diagnosis of an unspecified disorder of the peritoneum.