Facebook tracking pixel
K63.89
ICD-10-CM
Pneumatosis Intestinalis

Find key information on Pneumatosis Intestinalis, including clinical documentation tips, medical coding guidelines (ICD-10 K58.0), and diagnostic criteria. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of intestinal gas cysts, bowel wall gas, and mesenteric pneumatosis. This resource provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals, clinicians, and medical coders seeking accurate and up-to-date information on Pneumatosis Intestinalis.

Also known as

PI

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Gas within the bowel wall.
  • Clinical Signs : Abdominal pain, distension, vomiting. Can be asymptomatic.
  • Common Settings : Necrotizing enterocolitis, bowel ischemia, COPD, mechanical ventilation.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC K63.89 Coding
K57.80

Other specified diseases of intestine

This code specifies other intestinal diseases, including pneumatosis intestinalis.

K57.9

Disease of intestine, unspecified

Use this code when the specific intestinal disease is unknown or not documented.

P78.89

Other specified neonatal intestinal conditions

This includes other neonatal intestinal problems, like pneumatosis in newborns.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the pneumatosis intestinalis in a newborn?

  • Yes

    Code K59.30, Pneumatosis intestinalis of newborn

  • No

    Is there a known underlying cause?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Gas cysts in bowel wall
Ischemic bowel
Infectious colitis

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document location, extent, and severity of pneumatosis intestinalis.
  • Describe bowel wall appearance (e.g., thickened, thinned).
  • Note associated symptoms (e.g., abdominal pain, distension).
  • Specify diagnostic method confirming pneumatosis intestinalis (e.g., CT, X-ray).
  • Document underlying medical conditions or procedures.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Location

    Coding Pneumatosis Intestinalis without specifying the intestinal segment (e.g., colon, small intestine) leads to inaccurate severity and payment.

  • Underlying Cause

    Failing to code the underlying condition causing Pneumatosis Intestinalis (e.g., ischemia, COPD) impacts quality metrics and reimbursement.

  • Clinical Validation

    Lack of proper clinical documentation supporting the diagnosis of Pneumatosis Intestinalis creates audit risks and potential claim denials.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document location, extent, and timing of PI for accurate ICD-10-CM K58.0 coding.
  • Correlate PI findings with clinical context for CDI and risk adjustment accuracy.
  • Ensure timely diagnosis and treatment of underlying causes to improve patient outcomes.
  • Monitor for complications like bowel ischemia, perforation for appropriate intervention coding.
  • Adhere to evidence-based guidelines for PI management and ensure compliance documentation.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Review abdominal imaging for air/gas within bowel wall (ICD-10 K57.0)
  • Correlate imaging with clinical presentation (abdominal pain, distension)
  • Assess for risk factors: ischemia, COPD, immunosuppression (SNOMED CT)
  • Consider alternative diagnoses: IBS, ulcerative colitis (patient safety)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Pneumatosis Intestinalis: Coding accuracy impacts MS-DRG assignment (e.g., 326, 329) and reimbursement.
  • Correctly coding ischemia, bowel obstruction, or other related diagnoses maximizes reimbursement.
  • Accurate documentation of severity and management affects quality metrics like hospital-acquired conditions.
  • Timely diagnosis and intervention influence length of stay, impacting cost and resource utilization.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code K58.0 for pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis
  • Query physician for etiology and location
  • Document bowel wall gas presence
  • Consider K93.8 for post-op PI
  • Review imaging for free air/perforation

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with symptoms suggestive of pneumatosis intestinalis, including abdominal pain, distension, and potentially bloody stools or vomiting.  Physical examination may reveal abdominal tenderness, guarding, or rebound tenderness.  Differential diagnosis includes bowel ischemia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and infectious colitis.  Imaging studies, such as abdominal X-ray, CT scan, or abdominal ultrasound, are crucial for visualizing the presence of intramural gas, a hallmark of pneumatosis intestinalis.  The CT scan is particularly sensitive for detecting pneumatosis and associated complications like portal venous gas or pneumoperitoneum.  Laboratory tests, including complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, and lactate, may be ordered to assess for infection, inflammation, and organ dysfunction.  Management of pneumatosis intestinalis depends on the underlying cause and severity.  Conservative management with bowel rest, nasogastric decompression, and intravenous fluids may be appropriate in stable patients with mild disease.  Antibiotic therapy may be indicated if infection is suspected.  Surgical intervention, such as laparotomy or laparoscopy, may be necessary in cases of bowel perforation, peritonitis, or persistent ischemia.  Patient education regarding the diagnosis, treatment plan, and potential complications is essential.  ICD-10 code K58.0 will be used for pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis.  CPT codes for diagnostic imaging and potential surgical procedures will be determined based on the specific services provided.  Close monitoring of the patient's clinical status and response to treatment is crucial for optimal outcomes.
Pneumatosis Intestinalis - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation