Find information on lower gastrointestinal bleed diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 codes K92.0, K92.1, K92.2), and healthcare best practices. Learn about symptoms, causes, and treatment of LGIB, along with relevant medical terminology for accurate documentation and coding. This resource offers guidance for healthcare professionals on managing lower GI bleeding and optimizing patient care.
Also known as
Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
Bleeding in the digestive tract, location unspecified or lower GI.
Lower gastrointestinal bleeding
Bleeding from the small intestine, large intestine, or rectum.
Vascular disorders of intestine
Conditions affecting blood vessels in the intestines, potentially causing bleeding.
Other diseases of intestines
Various intestinal conditions that may include bleeding as a symptom.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the bleed acute?
Yes
Is a site identified?
No
Is a site identified?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Lower GI Bleed |
| Diverticulosis |
| Diverticulitis |
Coding LGIB without specifying location (e.g., colon, rectum) leads to inaccurate DRG assignment and potential underpayment. CDI crucial for clarification.
Failing to document the cause (e.g., diverticulosis, angiodysplasia) impacts coding specificity and quality metrics. CDI should query for cause.
Incorrectly coding anemia or other related conditions as separate diagnoses instead of linking to LGIB can inflate severity and trigger audits.
Patient presents with symptoms suggestive of lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB). Chief complaint includes hematochezia, described as bright red blood per rectum (BRBPR). Onset of bleeding was [timeframe] and associated symptoms include [list symptoms e.g., abdominal pain, cramping, dizziness, weakness, fatigue]. Patient reports [frequency and quantity of bleeding episodes] and denies [relevant negatives e.g., melena, hematemesis]. Past medical history includes [relevant PMH e.g., history of diverticulosis, colon polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, anticoagulant use]. Medications include [list medications]. Allergies include [list allergies]. Vital signs are as follows: blood pressure [BP], heart rate [HR], respiratory rate [RR], temperature [Temp], and oxygen saturation [SpO2]. Physical examination reveals [relevant findings e.g., abdominal tenderness, palpable masses]. Differential diagnosis includes diverticulosis, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, colorectal cancer, angiodysplasia, ischemic colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Ordered complete blood count (CBC) to assess for anemia, coagulation studies (PT/INR, PTT) to evaluate clotting function, and metabolic panel. Considering a lower GI endoscopy (colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy) for visualization and possible intervention. Patient is currently stable but requires further evaluation and management for lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Treatment plan includes hemodynamic stabilization with intravenous fluids and blood transfusion if indicated. Further management will be determined based on the results of diagnostic testing and endoscopic findings. Diagnosis: Lower gastrointestinal bleed (LGIB).