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K62.9
ICD-10-CM
Rectal Conditions

Find comprehensive information on rectal conditions, including diagnosis codes, clinical documentation tips, and healthcare resources. Learn about common rectal problems such as rectal prolapse, rectal bleeding, rectal pain, anal fissures, hemorrhoids, and rectal cancer. This resource provides guidance on proper medical coding for rectal conditions, including ICD-10 codes and SNOMED CT codes. Improve your clinical documentation for rectal exams and understand the various treatment options available for different rectal diseases.

Also known as

Rectal Disorders
Rectal Diseases

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Disorders affecting the rectum, the last part of the large intestine.
  • Clinical Signs : Bleeding, pain, changes in bowel habits, itching, lumps.
  • Common Settings : Outpatient clinic, hospital, surgical center, primary care.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC K62.9 Coding
K62-K63

Diseases of anus and rectum

Covers various anal and rectal conditions like fissures, abscesses, and prolapse.

C19-C21

Malignant neoplasm of rectum

Specifies cancerous tumors within the rectum.

K56-K58

Noninfective enteritis and colitis

Includes inflammatory bowel diseases that may affect the rectum.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the condition related to prolapse?

  • Yes

    Is it mucosal prolapse?

  • No

    Is it an anal fissure?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Rectal prolapse
Hemorrhoids
Anal fissure

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Rectal exam findings: detailed description
  • Symptoms: onset, duration, character
  • Associated symptoms: bleeding, pain, change in bowel habits
  • Diagnosis specificity: hemorrhoids, fissure, fistula, prolapse
  • Diagnostic tests: anoscopy, proctoscopy, colonoscopy results

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Diagnosis

    Coding rectal conditions as unspecified when more specific documentation is available leads to lower reimbursement and data inaccuracy. CDI can clarify.

  • Symptom Coding

    Coding symptoms instead of the confirmed rectal diagnosis can cause claims denials and compliance issues. Auditing helps prevent this.

  • Hemorrhoid Severity

    Incorrectly coding hemorrhoid severity (internal, external, prolapsed) impacts reimbursement. CDI and auditing are essential for accurate coding.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document precise rectal bleeding location for accurate ICD-10 coding.
  • Specify internal/external hemorrhoids for proper CPT code selection.
  • Clearly differentiate anal fissure from fistula for optimal CDI.
  • Detail proctitis etiology (infectious, radiation) for compliant coding.
  • Use standardized terminology (e.g., Paris classification) for fissures.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm rectal bleeding documented: ICD-10 K62.5, N02.8
  • Assess for pain, prolapse, or mass: ICD-10 K62, K62.3
  • Evaluate bowel habits: Document constipation or diarrhea
  • Digital rectal exam (DRE) performed and documented

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Rectal Conditions: Coding accuracy impacts reimbursement for procedures like colonoscopy, proctectomy impacting hospital revenue cycle.
  • Accurate ICD-10 coding (e.g., K62) for rectal conditions affects quality metrics related to complications, readmissions.
  • Proper documentation of rectal conditions, including severity and treatment, is crucial for accurate APR-DRG assignment and hospital case mix index.
  • Timely and specific coding for rectal diagnoses like proctitis, fissures, or abscesses improves data integrity for quality reporting and payer negotiations.

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 specific rectal site
  • Document findings clearly
  • Validate ICD-10-CM codes
  • Check for MCC/CCs
  • Consider external cause codes

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints concerning rectal conditions, possibly including rectal pain, rectal bleeding, rectal itching, rectal pressure, or changes in bowel habits.  Onset, duration, frequency, and character of symptoms were documented.  Associated symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, tenesmus, incontinence, mucous discharge, or presence of a mass were explored.  Past medical history, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fistula, proctitis, rectal prolapse, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), colon cancer, and previous rectal surgery, was reviewed.  Family history of colorectal cancer or other relevant conditions was noted.  Medications, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs, were documented.  Allergies were reviewed.  Social history, including diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol use, was obtained.  Physical examination included a digital rectal exam assessing for anal sphincter tone, masses, tenderness, and bleeding.  The perianal area was inspected for fissures, fistulae, and external hemorrhoids.  Diagnostic considerations include anoscopy, proctoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and stool tests (fecal occult blood test, fecal calprotectin).  Differential diagnosis includes hemorrhoids, anal fissures, perirectal abscess, anal fistula, proctitis, rectal prolapse, colorectal cancer, and irritable bowel syndrome.  Treatment plan may include conservative management (e.g., high-fiber diet, stool softeners, sitz baths), topical medications (e.g., corticosteroids, local anesthetics), or surgical intervention depending on the diagnosis.  Patient education regarding proper bowel habits, hygiene, and follow-up care was provided.  Referral to a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon may be indicated depending on the diagnosis and severity of the condition.  Follow-up appointment scheduled for reassessment and discussion of further management.
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