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
Other specified diseases of intestine
This code specifies other intestinal diseases, including pneumatosis intestinalis.
Disease of intestine, unspecified
Use this code when the specific intestinal disease is unknown or not documented.
Other specified neonatal intestinal conditions
This includes other neonatal intestinal problems, like pneumatosis in newborns.
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?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Gas cysts in bowel wall |
Ischemic bowel |
Infectious colitis |
Coding Pneumatosis Intestinalis without specifying the intestinal segment (e.g., colon, small intestine) leads to inaccurate severity and payment.
Failing to code the underlying condition causing Pneumatosis Intestinalis (e.g., ischemia, COPD) impacts quality metrics and reimbursement.
Lack of proper clinical documentation supporting the diagnosis of Pneumatosis Intestinalis creates audit risks and potential claim denials.
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.