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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK91.0

K91.0

Billable

Vomiting following gastrointestinal surgery

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K91.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of vomiting following gastrointestinal surgery.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Vomiting following gastrointestinal surgery, classified under ICD-10 code K91.0, is a postoperative complication that can arise after various surgical interventions on the digestive system, such as gastric bypass, cholecystectomy, or bowel resections. Clinically, patients may present with nausea and vomiting, which can be acute or chronic in nature. The anatomy involved primarily includes the stomach, intestines, and associated structures that may have been altered during surgery. Disease progression can vary; while some patients may experience transient vomiting due to anesthesia or dietary changes, others may develop more severe complications like bowel obstruction or anastomotic leaks. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history, physical examination, and potentially imaging studies to rule out mechanical causes. The timing of symptoms post-surgery is crucial for diagnosis, as early vomiting may indicate a different etiology than delayed onset. Understanding the underlying surgical procedure and the patient's overall health status is essential for effective management and coding.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires understanding of postoperative complications and their management.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve multiple specialties for management, including surgery and gastroenterology.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed surgical history and symptom chronology are necessary.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other types of vomiting.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of vomiting as unrelated to surgery.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete surgical notes or lack of follow-up information.
  • Billing challenges: Denials may occur if the relationship between surgery and vomiting is not clearly established.

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

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

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of K91.0 lies in its association with postoperative complications, which can affect recovery times and overall patient outcomes. Understanding the prevalence of vomiting after gastrointestinal surgery is crucial for improving surgical techniques and postoperative care protocols. Monitoring this condition can also inform quality measures and healthcare utilization patterns, as effective management can reduce hospital readmissions and enhance patient satisfaction.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of K91.0 lies in its association with postoperative complications, which can affect recovery times and overall patient outcomes. Understanding the prevalence of vomiting after gastrointestinal surgery is crucial for improving surgical techniques and postoperative care protocols. Monitoring this condition can also inform quality measures and healthcare utilization patterns, as effective management can reduce hospital readmissions and enhance patient satisfaction.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the need for clear linkage between the surgery and the vomiting episodes. Common denials may arise if the documentation does not adequately support the claim, particularly if the vomiting is not clearly related to the surgical intervention. Best practices include ensuring that all surgical notes are complete and that follow-up visits document the patient's symptoms and any interventions taken.

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 K91.0?

K91.0 specifically covers vomiting that occurs as a direct result of gastrointestinal surgery. This includes postoperative nausea and vomiting that may arise from surgical manipulation, anesthesia effects, or dietary changes post-surgery.

When should K91.0 be used instead of related codes?

K91.0 should be used when vomiting is clearly linked to a recent gastrointestinal surgical procedure. If vomiting is due to other causes, such as infections or unrelated gastrointestinal disorders, other codes should be considered.

What documentation supports K91.0?

Documentation should include the surgical procedure performed, the timeline of symptom onset, any relevant imaging or diagnostic tests, and the patient's response to treatment. Clear notes on the surgical history and postoperative care are essential.