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 CodesK68.9

K68.9

Billable

Other disorders of retroperitoneum

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K68.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other disorders of retroperitoneum.

Key Diagnostic Point:

K68.9 refers to 'Other disorders of retroperitoneum,' which encompasses a variety of conditions affecting the retroperitoneal space, an anatomical area located behind the peritoneum that contains vital structures such as the kidneys, ureters, adrenal glands, aorta, inferior vena cava, and parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical presentations may include abdominal pain, flank pain, or symptoms related to compression of adjacent organs. Conditions such as retroperitoneal fibrosis, hematomas, or tumors can lead to significant complications if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Disease progression can vary widely; for instance, retroperitoneal fibrosis may lead to ureteral obstruction, resulting in hydronephrosis if left untreated. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as CT scans or MRIs to visualize the retroperitoneal space and assess for abnormalities. Laboratory tests may also be necessary to rule out infectious or inflammatory processes. Accurate diagnosis is crucial, as the management may involve surgical intervention, medical therapy, or monitoring, depending on the underlying cause.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

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

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors
  • Documentation gaps
  • Billing challenges

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

Urology

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 K68.9 lies in its association with potentially serious conditions that can affect kidney function and overall health. Population health impact includes the need for timely diagnosis and intervention to prevent complications such as renal failure. Quality measures may focus on the timely management of retroperitoneal disorders, which can influence healthcare utilization patterns and resource allocation. Epidemiologically, understanding the prevalence of these disorders can aid in developing targeted screening and treatment protocols.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of K68.9 lies in its association with potentially serious conditions that can affect kidney function and overall health. Population health impact includes the need for timely diagnosis and intervention to prevent complications such as renal failure. Quality measures may focus on the timely management of retroperitoneal disorders, which can influence healthcare utilization patterns and resource allocation. Epidemiologically, understanding the prevalence of these disorders can aid in developing targeted screening and treatment protocols.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement. Regular audits of coding practices can help mitigate risks associated with this code.

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 K68.9?

K68.9 covers various conditions affecting the retroperitoneum, including but not limited to retroperitoneal fibrosis, hematomas, and tumors. Each condition has specific diagnostic criteria that must be met for accurate coding.

When should K68.9 be used instead of related codes?

K68.9 should be used when the specific disorder affecting the retroperitoneum is not classified under more specific codes such as K68.1 or K68.8. It is essential to ensure that the clinical documentation supports the use of this non-specific code.

What documentation supports K68.9?

Documentation should include clinical findings, imaging results, and any relevant laboratory tests that indicate a disorder of the retroperitoneum. Detailed notes on the patient's symptoms and the clinical rationale for the diagnosis are also necessary.