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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN73.3

N73.3

Billable

Female acute pelvic peritonitis

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/18/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 N73.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of female acute pelvic peritonitis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Female acute pelvic peritonitis is a serious inflammatory condition characterized by the acute inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, specifically in females. This condition often arises as a complication of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which may be caused by infections such as salpingitis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes), oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries), endometritis (inflammation of the endometrium), or cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix). Symptoms typically include severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Diagnosis is often confirmed through clinical examination, imaging studies, and laboratory tests. Treatment usually involves the administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics to combat the underlying infection, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to address abscesses or other complications. Prompt recognition and treatment are crucial to prevent further complications, including sepsis or chronic pelvic pain.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic conditions
  • Identifying the underlying cause of peritonitis
  • Documentation of associated gynecological conditions
  • Understanding the relationship between PID and peritonitis

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the underlying cause of peritonitis
  • Misclassification of acute versus chronic conditions
  • Lack of clarity in treatment plans and follow-up care

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Gynecology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes including patient history, physical examination findings, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute abdominal pain, fever, and a history of PID or other gynecological infections.

Billing Considerations

Accurate documentation of the patient's gynecological history and any surgical interventions performed.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive records of laboratory results, imaging studies, and antibiotic treatment regimens.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with suspected or confirmed infections leading to acute pelvic peritonitis.

Billing Considerations

Clear documentation of the infectious agent and response to treatment is essential for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N73.3 When
  • According to official coding guidelines, N73
  • 3 should be used when there is clear documentation of acute pelvic peritonitis
  • Coders must ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical findings and that any underlying conditions are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N73.3 When
  • Exclusion criteria include conditions that do not involve the peritoneum or are chronic in nature

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

58150CPT Code

Total abdominal hysterectomy

Clinical Scenario

Performed in cases of severe pelvic peritonitis with complications.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Gynecological specialists must ensure that the reason for surgery is clearly documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acute pelvic peritonitis, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. This specificity aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acute pelvic peritonitis, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. This specificity aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acute pelvic peritonitis, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. This specificity aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of acute pelvic peritonitis?

Common causes include infections from PID, salpingitis, oophoritis, endometritis, and cervicitis. These conditions can lead to inflammation of the peritoneum if not treated promptly.