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 CodesK68.3

K68.3

Billable

Retroperitoneal hematoma

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K68.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of retroperitoneal hematoma.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Retroperitoneal hematoma refers to the accumulation of blood in the retroperitoneal space, which is the anatomical area behind the peritoneum that contains the kidneys, ureters, aorta, inferior vena cava, and other structures. Clinically, patients may present with abdominal or flank pain, hypotension, and signs of internal bleeding. The condition can arise from various etiologies, including trauma, anticoagulation therapy, or spontaneous rupture of vascular structures. Disease progression can lead to significant complications such as shock, renal impairment, or infection if not promptly diagnosed and managed. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as CT scans or ultrasounds to confirm the presence and extent of the hematoma. Laboratory tests may also be necessary to assess hemoglobin levels and coagulation status. Early recognition and intervention are crucial to prevent severe outcomes associated with this condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires imaging and clinical correlation.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve surgical intervention or conservative management.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging reports are essential.
  • Coding specificity: Requires accurate identification of the hematoma's cause and location.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentification of the hematoma's cause.
  • Documentation gaps: Lack of detailed clinical notes or imaging reports.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to insufficient documentation or coding errors.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary medical specialty: Emergency Medicine

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

Retroperitoneal hematomas can significantly impact patient health, leading to complications such as shock or renal failure if not managed promptly. Understanding the epidemiology of this condition is essential for healthcare providers, as it may be more prevalent in populations with higher rates of trauma or anticoagulation use. Quality measures should focus on timely diagnosis and intervention to improve outcomes and reduce healthcare utilization associated with complications.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Retroperitoneal hematomas can significantly impact patient health, leading to complications such as shock or renal failure if not managed promptly. Understanding the epidemiology of this condition is essential for healthcare providers, as it may be more prevalent in populations with higher rates of trauma or anticoagulation use. Quality measures should focus on timely diagnosis and intervention to improve outcomes and reduce healthcare utilization associated with complications.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of the case, the necessity of surgical intervention, and the patient's overall clinical picture. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to provide clear evidence of medical necessity. Best practices include thorough documentation of all clinical encounters, imaging results, and treatment plans to support the coding and billing process.

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 K68.3?

K68.3 specifically covers retroperitoneal hematomas resulting from trauma, anticoagulation, or spontaneous vascular rupture. It does not include hematomas from other abdominal regions or those due to surgical procedures.

When should K68.3 be used instead of related codes?

K68.3 should be used when there is a confirmed diagnosis of retroperitoneal hematoma, particularly when imaging studies indicate bleeding in the retroperitoneal space. It is important to differentiate it from other abdominal hematomas or conditions that may present similarly.

What documentation supports K68.3?

Documentation should include clinical findings, imaging results confirming the hematoma, and any relevant laboratory tests. Detailed notes on the patient's history, including trauma or anticoagulation use, are also crucial.