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Z93.3
ICD-10-CM
Presence of Colostomy

Find information on colostomy diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding, ICD-10 codes for colostomy, colostomy care, post-operative care, and complications of colostomy. Learn about types of colostomies, such as loop colostomy, end colostomy, and double-barrel colostomy. Resources for healthcare professionals, including colostomy assessment, management, and patient education are available. Explore coding guidelines for colostomy creation and closure, and understand proper documentation for reimbursement.

Also known as

Colostomy Status
Colostomy Presence

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Surgically created opening in the abdomen to divert stool from the colon.
  • Clinical Signs : Stoma on abdomen, absence of bowel movements from rectum, stool output from stoma.
  • Common Settings : Hospital (post-surgery), outpatient clinic, home care.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC Z93.3 Coding
Z93.-

Presence of artificial opening

Indicates a patient has an artificial opening, such as a colostomy.

K55-K63

Diseases of the intestine

Covers various intestinal conditions that may necessitate a colostomy.

C18-C21

Malignant neoplasm of colon

Includes colon cancers, a common reason for colostomy creation.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the colostomy functioning?

  • Yes

    Is there a complication?

  • No

    Is it due to closure or inactivity?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Presence of Colostomy
Parastomal Hernia
Colostomy Complication NEC

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Colostomy type (end, loop, double-barrel)
  • Location (ascending, transverse, descending, sigmoid)
  • Construction technique (sutured, stapled)
  • Reason for colostomy (obstruction, perforation, trauma)
  • Complication status (infection, retraction, stenosis)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Colostomy

    Coding lacks specificity (e.g., type, location) impacting reimbursement and data analysis. CDI should query for details.

  • Unconfirmed Colostomy

    Diagnosis lacks supporting documentation. Auditing should verify operative notes or imaging reports.

  • Colostomy Complication Coding

    Complications (e.g., infections, obstructions) may be undercoded, leading to lost revenue and inaccurate quality metrics.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Code Z93.3 for colostomy status in ICD-10-CM.
  • Document colostomy type: end, loop, double-barrel.
  • Specify anatomical site: transverse, descending, sigmoid.
  • Query physician for colostomy creation date if unclear.
  • Ensure proper CDI for accurate reimbursement and quality reporting.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm colostomy type (end, loop, double-barrel) in record.
  • Document colostomy location (ascending, transverse, etc.).
  • Verify colostomy creation date and reason.
  • Check for stoma complications (e.g., ischemia, retraction).

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Colostomy coding accuracy impacts reimbursement for procedures like colostomy closure or irrigation.
  • Accurate ICD-10 Z93.3 diagnosis coding affects hospital quality reporting on post-surgical complications.
  • Proper colostomy coding ensures appropriate DRG assignment and impacts hospital case mix index.
  • Coding validation for colostomy presence improves medical billing compliance and reduces claim denials.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code Z93.3 for presence
  • Document colostomy type
  • Specify creation date if known
  • Check for complications, code separately
  • Consider ostomy status: active/inactive

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with a colostomy, surgically created opening in the abdominal wall for the passage of stool.  Assessment reveals a viable, functioning colostomy.  Location of the colostomy is documented as (specify location: ascending, transverse, descending, sigmoid) colon.  The stoma appears (describe appearance: healthy pink, beefy red, dusky, pale) and (describe characteristics: moist, dry, retracted, prolapsed).  Peristomal skin is assessed and documented as (describe condition: intact, excoriated, erythematous, macerated).  Patient reports (describe patient's subjective experience: comfort level, pain, concerns regarding colostomy care).  Colostomy output is characterized as (describe consistency, color, and amount: formed, semi-formed, liquid, brown, green, yellow).  Patient education provided regarding colostomy care, including appliance selection and application, skin protection, irrigation techniques (if applicable), dietary considerations, and potential complications such as dehydration, obstruction, and infection.  Patient demonstrates understanding of colostomy management.  Follow-up appointment scheduled for (date) to monitor healing and provide ongoing support and education.  Plan includes referral to ostomy nurse for specialized care and support.  Diagnosis: Presence of colostomy.  ICD-10 code: (specify appropriate ICD-10 code based on type and reason for colostomy, e.g., K91.4, Z93.3).  CPT codes for procedures performed, if applicable (e.g., appliance change, irrigation training): (specify appropriate CPT codes).