K56.50 is a billable diagnosis code used to specify a medical diagnosis of intestinal adhesions [bands], unspecified as to partial versus complete obstruction. The code K56.50 is valid during the fiscal year 2021 from October 01, 2020 through September 30, 2021 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions.#N#The ICD-10-CM code K56.50 might also be used to specify conditions or terms like colonic adhesions, intestinal adhesions with obstruction, kinking of colon co-occurrent and due to adhesions, large bowel adhesions, obstruction of large intestine co-occurrent and due to peritoneal adhesions , obstruction of small intestine co-occurrent and due to peritoneal adhesions, etc.#N#Unspecified diagnosis codes like K56.50 are acceptable when clinical information is unknown or not available about a particular condition. Although a more specific code is preferable, unspecified codes should be used when such codes most accurately reflect what is known about a patient's condition. Specific diagnosis codes should not be used if not supported by the patient's medical record.
Although a more specific code is preferable, unspecified codes should be used when such codes most accurately reflect what is known about a patient's condition. Specific diagnosis codes should not be used if not supported by the patient's medical record. ICD-10: K56.50. Short Description:
Unspecified diagnosis codes like K56.50 are acceptable when clinical information is unknown or not available about a particular condition. Although a more specific code is preferable, unspecified codes should be used when such codes most accurately reflect what is known about a patient's condition. Specific diagnosis codes should not be used ...
In the past, bowel obstruction was almost always coded as a diagnosis as the physician usually addressed the condition and did work up as to the cause, many times addressing the cause also. However that has changed as the coder will see in this coding tip.
When there is a condition in which the bowel does not work correctly, but there is no structural problem causing it, it is called “ileus.”. We are going to talk about mechanical bowel obstruction in this coding tip. Mechanical bowel obstruction can be caused by a number of conditions. Some of the most common causes are:
Mechanical bowel obstruction can be caused by a number of conditions. Some of the most common causes are: 1 Adhesions or scar tissue that forms after surgery 2 Foreign bodies (objects that are swallowed and block the intestines) 3 Gallstones (rare) 4 Hernias 5 Impacted stool 6 Intussusception (telescoping of one segment of bowel into another) 7 Tumors blocking the intestines 8 Volvulus (twisted intestine)
Some of the most common causes are: Adhesions or scar tissue that forms after surgery. Foreign bodies (objects that are swallowed and block the intestines) Gallstones (rare) Hernias. Impacted stool. Intussusception (telescoping of one segment of bowel into another) Tumors blocking the intestines.
This is to help relieve abdominal swelling (distention) and vomiting. Volvulus of the large bowel may be treated by passing a tube into the rectum.
Lastly, if intestinal obstruction is a complication of surgery, code K91.3-, may be warranted. Coders must validate that this is truly intestinal obstruction as a complication of surgery, and not just occurring after surgery due to another cause. The term “postoperative’ can be misleading. A query may be necessary.
The term “postoperative’ can be misleading. A query may be necessary. Take Aways. Coders must be aware of the index entries for intestinal obstruction and follow the index. For conditions in the index, look for “with obstruction” underneath the main entry or subterm entries.
They can pull sections of the intestines out of place. This may block food from passing through the intestine. Adhesions can occur anywhere in the body.
Some adhesions go away by themselves. If they partly block your intestines, a diet low in fiber can allow food to move easily through the affected area. If you have a complete intestinal obstruction, it is life-threatening. You should get immediate medical attention and may need surgery.