Find comprehensive information on Diverticulitis of the Colon, also known as Colonic Diverticulitis and Diverticular Disease of the Colon. This resource offers guidance on diagnosis, clinical documentation, and medical coding for healthcare professionals. Learn about symptoms, treatment, and best practices for accurate Diverticulitis of the Colon coding and documentation to improve patient care and optimize reimbursement. Explore relevant medical terminology and clinical findings associated with Diverticular Disease of the Colon for accurate and efficient healthcare documentation.
Also known as
Diverticular disease of intestine
Covers diverticulitis and diverticulosis of the colon and other intestinal areas.
Diverticulitis of colon (without perforation or abscess)
Specifically for uncomplicated diverticulitis of the colon.
Diverticulitis of colon with perforation and abscess
Identifies complicated cases with perforation and/or abscess formation.
Diverticular disease of colon, unspecified
Used when the specific type of colonic diverticular disease isn't specified.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the diverticulitis with perforation?
Yes
With peritonitis?
No
With abscess?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Inflammation of colon pouches (diverticula). |
| Presence of colon pouches without inflammation. |
| Bleeding from colon pouches (diverticula). |
Coding requires specifying if diverticulitis affects the small intestine, large intestine, or both. Missing documentation of location leads to coding errors.
Complications like abscess, perforation, or obstruction impact coding. Failing to document these specifically leads to undercoding and lost revenue.
Distinguishing between acute and chronic diverticulitis is crucial for accurate coding and affects clinical documentation improvement (CDI) queries.
Q: What are the most effective strategies for differentiating uncomplicated diverticulitis of the colon from complicated diverticulitis in clinical practice?
A: Differentiating uncomplicated from complicated diverticulitis hinges on identifying signs of perforation, abscess, fistula, or obstruction. Uncomplicated diverticulitis typically presents with localized left lower quadrant pain, fever, and leukocytosis. Physical exam findings may include tenderness and possibly a palpable mass. Imaging, particularly CT with contrast, plays a crucial role. In uncomplicated cases, the CT will show bowel wall thickening, pericolonic fat stranding, and perhaps some fluid. Complicated diverticulitis, however, will reveal additional findings like free air (perforation), a defined fluid collection (abscess), communication with another organ (fistula), or signs of obstruction such as dilated bowel proximal to the affected segment. Explore how integrating clinical findings with CT scan results can improve diagnostic accuracy in diverticulitis cases.
Q: How do I manage acute uncomplicated diverticulitis in a patient who can tolerate oral intake, considering current best practices and outpatient management strategies?
A: For patients with acute uncomplicated diverticulitis who are able to tolerate oral intake, outpatient management is often appropriate. This typically involves a clear liquid diet for a few days, progressing to a low-fiber diet as symptoms improve. Antibiotics targeting gram-negative and anaerobic bacteria, such as metronidazole combined with ciprofloxacin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, are recommended. Pain control is essential and can be achieved with oral analgesics. Close follow-up is crucial to monitor for worsening symptoms or complications. Consider implementing a structured follow-up plan that includes repeat physical exams and potentially repeat imaging if symptoms don't resolve. Learn more about the latest guidelines for antibiotic duration and the role of bowel rest in uncomplicated diverticulitis.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with possible diverticulitis of the colon. Symptoms include left lower quadrant abdominal pain, described as cramping and intermittent, with onset approximately three days ago. The patient also reports bloating, nausea, and a change in bowel habits, alternating between constipation and diarrhea. Fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit was noted at home earlier today. Physical examination reveals localized tenderness in the left lower quadrant with mild guarding. No rebound tenderness or rigidity is appreciated. Bowel sounds are present but hypoactive. The patient denies any history of diverticular disease, colon cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Differential diagnosis includes irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroenteritis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Given the patient's presentation and symptoms, a working diagnosis of acute colonic diverticulitis is suspected. Ordered a complete blood count (CBC) with differential, comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), and urinalysis to assess for signs of infection and dehydration. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast is scheduled to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate for complications such as abscess formation or perforation. The patient will be started on a clear liquid diet, IV fluids for hydration, and broad-spectrum antibiotics for treatment of suspected diverticular infection. Patient education provided regarding diverticulitis management, including dietary modifications, and potential complications. Follow-up scheduled in one week to reassess symptoms and discuss further management based on CT scan results. ICD-10 code K57.32, Diverticulitis of sigmoid colon without perforation or abscess, is tentatively assigned pending confirmation of diagnosis.