ICD Code K51.90

ICD code K51.90 is used to identify a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis that is unspecified and without any noted complications. This code is applied when a patient has been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, but the specific details regarding the type or severity of the condition are not provided, and there are no additional complications associated with it.

When using the ICD code for ulcerative colitis, unspecified, without complications, healthcare providers should consider the following diagnostic criteria and symptoms:

1. Chronic Diarrhea: Persistent diarrhea lasting for more than four weeks, often with blood or mucus present in the stool.

2. Abdominal Pain: Recurrent or continuous abdominal pain, typically in the lower abdomen, which may be relieved after a bowel movement.

3. Urgency to Defecate: A frequent and urgent need to have a bowel movement, sometimes accompanied by a feeling of incomplete evacuation.

4. Rectal Bleeding: Presence of blood in the stool, which may vary from bright red to dark maroon, indicating inflammation in the colon.

5. Weight Loss: Unintentional weight loss due to malabsorption or reduced appetite, often associated with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms.

6. Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or exhaustion that is not relieved by rest, often due to anemia or the chronic nature of the disease.

7. Fever: Low-grade fever that may accompany other symptoms, indicating an inflammatory process.

8. Negative for Complications: Absence of complications such as toxic megacolon, perforation, or severe bleeding, which would require a different or more specific ICD code.

9. Colonoscopy Findings: Endoscopic evidence of inflammation in the colon, typically showing continuous lesions starting from the rectum.

10. Histopathological Confirmation: Biopsy results confirming the presence of chronic inflammation and ulceration in the colonic mucosa.

These criteria should be used to ensure accurate diagnosis and coding, facilitating appropriate treatment and management of the condition.

For the ICD code K51.90, which pertains to ulcerative colitis, unspecified, without complications, the relevant CPT codes that may be applicable for treatment and management include:

1. 45378 - Colonoscopy, flexible; diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, when performed (separate procedure).

2. 45380 - Colonoscopy, flexible; with biopsy, single or multiple.

3. 45385 - Colonoscopy, flexible; with removal of tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesion(s) by snare technique.

4. 99213 - Established patient office or other outpatient visit, typically 15 minutes.

5. 99214 - Established patient office or other outpatient visit, typically 25 minutes.

6. 99215 - Established patient office or other outpatient visit, typically 40 minutes.

These CPT codes are commonly used in the management and treatment of conditions associated with the ICD code K51.90. It is important for healthcare providers to select the appropriate CPT code based on the specific services rendered during the patient's care.

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