What is the ICD-10 code for perforated appendicitis?

The ICD-10 code for perforated appendicitis with localized peritonitis and abscess is K35.33. If there is no abscess, use K35.32.

How do you code acute perforated appendicitis?

Code acute perforated appendicitis with localized peritonitis and abscess as K35.33. For generalized peritonitis, use K35.2XX.

ICD-10 Coding for Perforated Appendicitis(K35.33, K35.2, K35.32)

Save

Learn about ICD-10 coding for perforated appendicitis, including key codes, documentation requirements, and common pitfalls.

Also known as:

Ruptured AppendixAppendiceal Perforation

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Perforated Appendicitis

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
K35.33	Acute appendicitis with perforation, localized peritonitis, and abscess	Use when documentation specifies perforation, localized peritonitis, and abscess.	CT scan showing appendiceal wall defect and abscess Intraoperative findings of localized purulent fluid
K35.32	Acute appendicitis with perforation and localized peritonitis, without abscess	Use when documentation specifies perforation and localized peritonitis without abscess.	Intraoperative findings of perforation and localized inflammation
K35.2	Acute appendicitis with generalized peritonitis	Use when documentation specifies generalized peritonitis.	Operative note indicating purulent fluid throughout abdomen

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Acute appendicitis with perforation, localized peritonitis, and gangrene, with abscess

K35.33Billable

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Acute appendicitis with perforation and localized peritonitis, without abscessK35.32

Use when abscess is not present.

Acute appendicitis with perforation, localized peritonitis, and abscessK35.33

Use when abscess is present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Perforated Appendicitis.

Vague documentation of 'serositis'

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect clinical interpretation, Regulatory: Potential non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Incorrect reimbursement due to misclassification

Mitigation

Educate clinicians on importance of specifying peritonitis, Implement documentation audits

Using K35.8 for unspecified appendicitis when perforation is documented

Impact

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

Mitigation

Query for clarification on peritonitis type and abscess presence.

Documentation specificity

Impact

Lack of specificity in documenting peritonitis type can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation

Ensure detailed operative notes and educate clinicians on documentation requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with K35.33.

Primary Code

K35.33

Acute appendicitis with perforation, localized peritonitis, and gangrene, with abscess

Quick Navigation

ICD-10 codes6

Coding risks3

FAQs2

ICD-10 Coding for Perforated Appendicitis(K35.33, K35.2, K35.32)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for perforated appendicitis?

How do you code acute perforated appendicitis?

Related condition guides