Find information on Partial Small Bowel Obstruction diagnosis, including clinical documentation tips, ICD-10 codes (K56.60, K56.69), SNOMED CT concepts, and healthcare billing guidelines. Learn about symptoms, treatment, and postoperative care for partial SBO, along with medical coding best practices for accurate reimbursement. This resource offers guidance for physicians, nurses, and medical coders dealing with partial small bowel obstruction cases.
Also known as
Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia
Covers various intestinal obstructions, including partial small bowel obstruction.
Intestinal obstruction, unspecified part without hernia
Includes cases where the specific part of the intestine obstructed is unknown.
Postoperative ileus
May be relevant if the partial obstruction follows abdominal surgery.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the partial small bowel obstruction due to a hernia?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Partial Small Bowel Obstruction |
| Ileus |
| Complete Small Bowel Obstruction |
Coding Partial Small Bowel Obstruction without specifying the location may lead to claim denials. CDI should query for anatomical details.
Miscoding the etiology of the obstruction (e.g., adhesion, hernia) impacts DRG assignment and reimbursement. Thorough documentation is crucial.
Failing to code post-operative complications like perforation or infection with Partial Small Bowel Obstruction impacts quality metrics and reimbursement.
Patient presents with symptoms suggestive of partial small bowel obstruction (PSBO). Presenting complaints include intermittent crampy abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, and decreased bowel movements. The patient reports passing some gas and small amounts of liquid stool, ruling out complete obstruction. On physical examination, the abdomen is distended and tender to palpation, with audible high-pitched bowel sounds. No signs of peritonitis or rebound tenderness are noted. Differential diagnoses considered include ileus, gastroenteritis, and constipation. Initial workup includes abdominal X-ray demonstrating dilated small bowel loops with air-fluid levels proximal to the suspected obstruction site. Complete blood count (CBC) and comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) were ordered to assess for dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and signs of infection. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast is planned to further evaluate the cause and location of the obstruction. Patient is currently being managed conservatively with intravenous fluids, nasogastric (NG) tube decompression, and bowel rest. The patient's clinical status will be closely monitored for resolution of symptoms. Surgical consultation is considered if conservative management fails or if signs of bowel ischemia or perforation develop. Diagnosis: Partial small bowel obstruction. ICD-10 code: K56.60.