Understand diverticulosis, diverticular disease, and colonic diverticulosis diagnosis, documentation, and medical coding. Find information on diverticulosis ICD-10 codes, clinical characteristics, and healthcare best practices for accurate documentation and coding in medical records. Learn about diverticulosis treatment and management options, along with relevant medical terminology for healthcare professionals.
Also known as
Diverticular disease of intestine
Conditions related to pouches forming in the intestinal wall.
Diverticulosis of colon
Pouches in the colon wall without inflammation or complications.
Diverticular disease of other parts
Diverticula in areas like the small intestine or unspecified locations.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the diverticulosis specified as with bleeding?
Yes
Code K57.31 Diverticulosis of large intestine with bleeding
No
Is the diverticulosis specified as with perforation or abscess?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Small pouches form in the colon wall. |
| Inflammation or infection of colon pouches. |
| Bleeding from colon pouches. |
Coding diverticulosis without specifying the anatomical location (e.g., colon, small intestine) can lead to rejected claims or lower reimbursement.
Incorrectly coding symptoms (e.g., abdominal pain) instead of the underlying diverticulosis can impact quality reporting and reimbursement.
Miscoding diverticulosis as diverticulitis (inflammation/infection) leads to inaccurate severity reflection and potential overtreatment/billing errors.
Q: How can I differentiate between uncomplicated diverticulosis and diverticulitis in patients presenting with abdominal pain, and what are the key imaging findings to look for?
A: Differentiating between uncomplicated diverticulosis and diverticulitis relies on a combination of clinical presentation and imaging findings. Uncomplicated diverticulosis is often asymptomatic or presents with vague abdominal discomfort. Diverticulitis, however, typically manifests with localized left lower quadrant pain, fever, and leukocytosis. Imaging, particularly CT abdomen/pelvis with contrast, plays a crucial role. In uncomplicated diverticulosis, CT might reveal diverticula without inflammation. Diverticulitis, on the other hand, will show signs of inflammation such as bowel wall thickening, pericolonic fat stranding, and possibly abscess formation. Consider implementing a standardized imaging protocol for suspected diverticular disease to ensure accurate and timely diagnosis. Explore how integrating clinical findings with imaging results can enhance diagnostic accuracy in challenging cases.
Q: What are the current best practice guidelines for managing acute uncomplicated diverticulitis in the outpatient setting, including antibiotic recommendations and dietary advice?
A: Current best practice guidelines for managing acute uncomplicated diverticulitis in the outpatient setting emphasize a conservative approach for patients who are hemodynamically stable, can tolerate oral intake, and have adequate social support. Antibiotic therapy is generally recommended, with common choices including amoxicillin-clavulanate, metronidazole plus ciprofloxacin, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. However, the duration and necessity of antibiotics are being reevaluated, with some studies suggesting a shorter course or even observation may be sufficient in select patients. Dietary recommendations typically involve a clear liquid diet during the acute phase, followed by a gradual transition to a high-fiber diet once symptoms improve. Learn more about the latest evidence regarding antibiotic stewardship in diverticulitis and explore the role of a high-fiber diet in preventing recurrence. Consider implementing a patient education program that emphasizes dietary modifications and red flag symptoms.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with diverticulosis, including intermittent left lower quadrant abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits such as constipation and diarrhea. The patient denies fever, nausea, vomiting, or bloody stools. Physical examination reveals mild tenderness in the left lower quadrant with no palpable masses or rebound tenderness. No signs of acute diverticulitis, such as guarding or rigidity, are noted. Review of systems is otherwise unremarkable. Past medical history includes hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Current medications include lisinopril and atorvastatin. Differential diagnosis includes irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer. To evaluate for diverticular disease, abdominal CT scan with contrast was ordered. Preliminary impression is symptomatic uncomplicated diverticulosis. Plan includes increasing dietary fiber intake, encouraging adequate hydration, and initiating a trial of bulk-forming laxatives. Patient education provided on diverticulosis management, including the importance of a high-fiber diet and avoiding constipation. Follow-up scheduled in four weeks to assess symptom improvement. If symptoms worsen or signs of diverticulitis develop, such as fever or persistent abdominal pain, the patient is instructed to return for immediate evaluation. ICD-10 code G71.4, Diverticulosis of large intestine without perforation or abscess, is documented.