What is the ICD-10 code for diverticulitis with abscess?

The ICD-10 code for diverticulitis with abscess in the sigmoid colon is K57.33, while K57.20 is used for other parts of the large intestine.

When should K57.33 be used?

Use K57.33 when there is documented perforation and abscess in the sigmoid colon, confirmed by imaging and clinical findings.

ICD-10 Coding for Diverticulitis with Abscess(K57.32, K57.20, K57.3)

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Learn about ICD-10 coding for diverticulitis with abscess, including primary codes K57.33 and K57.20, documentation requirements, and common coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Colonic Diverticulitis with AbscessSigmoid Diverticulitis with Abscess

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Diverticulitis with Abscess

K00-K95Primary Range

Diseases of the digestive system

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Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

Code	Description	When to Use	Key Documentation
K57.32	Diverticulitis of large intestine without perforation or abscess	Use when diverticulitis is confirmed in the sigmoid colon without any perforation or abscess.	Clinical documentation of sigmoid diverticulitis without evidence of perforation or abscess
K57.33	Diverticulitis of large intestine with perforation and abscess	Use when there is documented perforation and abscess in the sigmoid colon.	CT evidence of perforation and abscess in the sigmoid colon Elevated WBC and CRP levels
K57.20	Diverticulitis of large intestine with perforation and abscess without bleeding	Use when diverticulitis with perforation and abscess is confirmed in the large intestine, excluding sigmoid.	CT confirmation of perforation and abscess in the large intestine Absence of bleeding

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Diverticulitis of large intestine without perforation or abscess without bleeding

K57.32Billable

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Diverticulitis of large intestine with perforation and abscessK57.33

Diverticulitis of large intestine with perforation and abscess without bleedingK57.20

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Diverticulitis with Abscess.

Failure to document abscess size

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical picture, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential under-coding affecting reimbursement

Mitigation

Use standardized templates for documentation, Ensure radiology reports include size measurements

Using unspecified codes when specifics are available

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data

Mitigation

Ensure documentation specifies the exact location and presence of perforation or abscess.

Incorrect code selection

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific codes are applicable

Mitigation

Implement thorough documentation review processes

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with K57.32.

Primary Code

K57.32

Diverticulitis of large intestine without perforation or abscess without bleeding

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ICD-10 codes6

Coding risks3

FAQs2

ICD-10 Coding for Diverticulitis with Abscess(K57.32, K57.20, K57.3)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for diverticulitis with abscess?

When should K57.33 be used?

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