Find comprehensive information on Intra-abdominal Infection diagnosis, including clinical documentation tips, ICD-10 codes (K65), medical coding guidelines, and healthcare best practices. Learn about symptoms, treatment options, and differential diagnosis for peritonitis, abscess, and other intra-abdominal infections. This resource supports accurate clinical documentation and coding for optimal patient care and reimbursement. Explore relevant information for physicians, nurses, coders, and other healthcare professionals.
Also known as
Peritonitis and other intra-abdominal infections
Covers various infections within the abdominal cavity.
Certain infectious and parasitic diseases
Includes some intra-abdominal infections if not specified elsewhere.
Diseases of the respiratory system
May be relevant for infections affecting the diaphragm related to the abdomen.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the infection localized?
Yes
Specific organ/site involved?
No (Generalized peritonitis)
Code K65.9 for peritonitis, unspecified
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Intra-abdominal Infection |
Peritonitis |
Abdominal Abscess |
Coding intra-abdominal infection without specifying the anatomical site leads to inaccurate DRG assignment and lost revenue.
Incorrectly coding sepsis with or without intra-abdominal infection can impact severity and reimbursement. Proper documentation is crucial.
Distinguishing between post-operative and community-acquired intra-abdominal infection is critical for accurate coding and quality reporting.
Patient presents with signs and symptoms suggestive of intra-abdominal infection (IAI). Presenting complaints include abdominal pain, localized or diffuse, with varying intensity. Fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia may also be present. Physical examination reveals tenderness to palpation, guarding, rebound tenderness, and potentially abdominal distension. Depending on the source and severity of the infection, the patient may exhibit signs of sepsis, such as tachycardia, hypotension, and altered mental status. Laboratory findings may reveal leukocytosis, elevated inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR), and positive blood cultures if bacteremia is present. Imaging studies, such as CT abdomen and pelvis with IV contrast, ultrasound, or diagnostic laparoscopy, are crucial for identifying the source of infection (e.g., appendicitis, diverticulitis, perforated viscus, abscess) and guiding treatment. Differential diagnoses include gastroenteritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other abdominal pathologies. Treatment for intra-abdominal infection typically involves intravenous antibiotics targeting suspected pathogens, fluid resuscitation, and pain management. Surgical intervention, such as drainage of abscesses or resection of the infected source, may be necessary depending on the specific etiology and severity of the IAI. The patient's clinical status will be closely monitored for response to therapy and potential complications, such as septic shock, multi-organ dysfunction, and abdominal compartment syndrome. Patient education regarding medication adherence, wound care (if applicable), and follow-up appointments is essential.