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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN82.3

N82.3

Billable

Fistula of vagina to large intestine

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

Code Description

ICD-10 N82.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of fistula of vagina to large intestine.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A fistula of the vagina to the large intestine is an abnormal connection that forms between the vaginal canal and the large intestine, often resulting from complications of pelvic surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, or malignancies. This condition can lead to significant morbidity, including fecal incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infections, and chronic pelvic pain. Patients may present with symptoms such as vaginal discharge, fecal matter in the vagina, and discomfort during intercourse. The development of such a fistula can be associated with underlying conditions like endometriosis, which can cause scarring and adhesions, or female genital prolapse, where pelvic support structures weaken, potentially leading to abnormal connections. Ovarian disorders and polyps of the female genital tract may also contribute to the risk of developing fistulas due to their impact on pelvic anatomy and function. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, imaging studies, and sometimes endoscopic evaluation to confirm the presence of the fistula and assess its extent. Treatment often requires surgical intervention to repair the fistula and restore normal anatomy.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires detailed documentation of the fistula's origin and extent.
  • Involves understanding of associated conditions like endometriosis and prolapse.
  • Potential for multiple surgical interventions complicating coding.
  • Need for precise differentiation from other types of fistulas.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the fistula's characteristics.
  • Failure to document associated conditions.
  • Misclassification of the type of fistula.
  • Lack of clarity on the surgical history of the patient.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Gynecology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed surgical history, description of the fistula, and associated conditions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Post-surgical complications, endometriosis management, and pelvic organ prolapse cases.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate representation of the fistula's characteristics and any related gynecological conditions.

Gastroenterology

Documentation Requirements

Assessment of gastrointestinal health, imaging results, and any prior interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease or malignancies leading to fistula formation.

Billing Considerations

Collaboration with gynecologists for comprehensive care and accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N82.3 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, N82
  • 3 should be used when there is clear documentation of a fistula specifically between the vagina and the large intestine
  • Coders must ensure that all relevant clinical details are captured, including the cause of the fistula and any associated conditions
  • surgical causes

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N82.3 When
  • Exclusion criteria include fistulas not involving the large intestine or those resulting from non

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

CPT 57301CPT Code

Fistula repair, vaginal approach

Clinical Scenario

Used when a surgical repair of the vaginal to large intestine fistula is performed.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Gynecologists should document the surgical approach and any complications encountered.

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 N82.3, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity aids in better understanding the epidemiology of fistulas and their management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like N82.3, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity aids in better understanding the epidemiology of fistulas and their management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. This specificity aids in better understanding the epidemiology of fistulas and their management.

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 a vaginal to large intestine fistula?

Common causes include surgical complications, inflammatory bowel disease, malignancies, and chronic pelvic inflammatory conditions.