What is the ICD-10 code for bloody stool?

The ICD-10 code for bloody stool depends on the presentation: K92.1 for melena, K62.5 for bright red rectal bleeding, and R19.5 for occult blood.

How do you code hematochezia?

Hematochezia is coded as K62.5 if the bleeding is bright red and from the rectum, without evidence of melena.

ICD-10 Coding for Bloody Stool(K92.1, K25.4, K62.5)

Save

Explore ICD-10 coding for bloody stool, including melena and rectal bleeding. Learn about documentation requirements and coding best practices.

Also known as:

HematocheziaMelenaRectal Bleeding

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Bloody Stool

K00-K95Primary Range

Diseases of the digestive system

→

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

Code	Description	When to Use	Key Documentation
K92.1	Melena	Use when black, tarry stools are documented, indicating upper GI bleeding.	Hgb drop ≥2 g/dL Positive fecal occult blood test Upper endoscopy showing bleeding source
K62.5	Hemorrhage of anus and rectum	Use for bright red blood per rectum without evidence of melena.	Normal BUN:Cr ratio Colonoscopy showing rectal source
R19.5	Other fecal abnormalities	Use when occult blood is found in stool without visible bleeding.	Positive fecal occult blood test Stable Hgb levels

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Melena

K92.1Billable

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Hemorrhage of anus and rectumK62.5

MelenaK92.1

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Bloody Stool.

Vague documentation of 'blood in stool'

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Fails to meet documentation standards., Financial: May result in claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation

Train staff on detailed documentation practices, Use templates to ensure comprehensive notes

Using R19.5 for melena

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to lower reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Impacts data accuracy for GI bleeding statistics.

Mitigation

Use K92.1 when melena is documented.

Coding both K62.5 and I84.2 for hemorrhoids with bleeding

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in claim denial or adjustment., Compliance: Violates coding exclusivity rules., Data Quality: Leads to inaccurate clinical data.

Mitigation

Use I84.2 alone when hemorrhoids are the source.

Incorrect code selection

Impact

Using non-specific codes when detailed documentation is available.

Mitigation

Implement regular coding audits and staff training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with K92.1.

Primary Code

K92.1

Melena

Quick Navigation

ICD-10 codes7

Coding risks4

FAQs2

ICD-10 Coding for Bloody Stool(K92.1, K25.4, K62.5)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for bloody stool?

How do you code hematochezia?

Related condition guides