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K60.4
ICD-10-CM
Rectal Fistula

Find comprehensive information on rectal fistula, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Explore details on clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10, CPT), surgical procedures, and post-operative care for anal fistula and anorectal fistula. Learn about fistula-in-anus, perianal abscess, and related conditions. This resource provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals, medical coders, and patients seeking information on rectal fistula management.

Also known as

Fistula-in-ano
Anorectal fistula

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Abnormal connection between rectum and skin or another organ, often caused by infection.
  • Clinical Signs : Pain, swelling, pus or stool drainage near anus, fever, recurrent abscesses.
  • Common Settings : Outpatient clinic, surgical consult, imaging center (CT, MRI).

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC K60.4 Coding
K60-K62

Diseases of anus and rectum

Covers various anorectal conditions, including fistula.

K63.0-K63.5

Anal and rectal abscesses and fistulas

Specifically addresses abscesses and fistulas in the anal and rectal regions.

L00-L99

Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

May be relevant if the fistula involves skin complications.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the rectal fistula traumatic?

  • Yes

    Code as S34.2XXA, Traumatic rectal fistula. 7th character for initial encounter.

  • No

    Is the fistula anorectal?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Rectal fistula
Anal fissure
Anorectal abscess

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document fistula location (clock position)
  • Describe fistula type (e.g., transphincteric)
  • Note any associated abscess or infection
  • Document symptoms (pain, drainage, bleeding)
  • Record examination findings (digital rectal exam)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Fistula Site

    Coding rectal fistula without specifying the internal opening site (e.g., anorectal, rectovesical) leads to inaccurate coding and potential claim denials. Documentation must clarify location.

  • Missing Etiology/Complexity

    Failure to document the cause (e.g., Crohns, abscess) and complexity (e.g., simple, complex, recurrent) of the fistula can lead to undercoding and lost revenue. CDI should query for specificity.

  • Incorrect Abscess Coding

    Concurrently present abscesses should be coded separately. Coding a fistula with an abscess as a single code when separate codes are applicable leads to inaccurate reporting and impacts reimbursement.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document fistula type, location, and any associated abscesses for accurate ICD-10 coding (K60.-)
  • Ensure CDI aligns documentation with supporting evidence like imaging and operative reports for proper HCC coding
  • Capture complete HPI with symptom onset, duration, and severity for compliant evaluation and management coding
  • Clearly document treatments like seton placement or fistulotomy for correct procedural coding (CPT 45XXX-46XXX)
  • Regularly audit rectal fistula documentation against payer guidelines to ensure compliance and accurate reimbursement

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm diagnosis: Rectal fistula (ICD-10 K60.3-K60.5)
  • Document fistula location, type, and any associated abscess
  • Assess for Crohn's disease (ICD-10 K50.-) or other IBD
  • Evaluate for prior anorectal surgeries or radiation
  • Plan imaging (e.g., MRI pelvis, endoanal ultrasound)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Rectal Fistula Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts MS-DRG assignment and payment. Proper documentation of fistula complexity (simple, complex, recurrent) is crucial for optimal reimbursement.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Rectal fistula treatment outcomes affect hospital quality reporting. Surgical site infection (SSI) rates are key indicators impacting public ratings and potential payment penalties.
  • Coding Accuracy: Accurate ICD-10-CM (K60.3-K60.5) and CPT codes (e.g., 46020, 46040, 46050) are essential for proper claim processing and accurate hospital data reporting.
  • Hospital Reporting: Timely and accurate coding of rectal fistula diagnoses supports accurate hospital reporting on prevalence, treatment costs, and patient outcomes for internal quality improvement and public transparency.

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 primary fistula location
  • Specify internal/external opening
  • Document fistula type/cause
  • Code any abscess/infection
  • Check ICD-10 guidelines

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with rectal fistula, including anal pain, perirectal abscess, purulent drainage, and bleeding.  On physical examination, a palpable fistula tract is noted in the perianal region.  Digital rectal examination reveals tenderness and induration.  The patient reports a history of recurrent anorectal abscesses.  Differential diagnoses considered include anal fissure, pilonidal cyst, Crohn's disease, and hidradenitis suppurativa.  Assessment includes evaluation for anorectal fistula, fistula-in-anus, complex fistula, and rectovaginal fistula if applicable.  Symptoms such as perianal discharge, skin irritation, and fecal incontinence were also documented.  Diagnostic imaging, including MRI or endoanal ultrasound, may be ordered to delineate the fistula tract and evaluate for any associated abscesses.  Treatment options, including fistulotomy, seton placement, fibrin glue injection, or advancement flap procedures, were discussed with the patient.  Patient education was provided regarding proper wound care, pain management, and potential complications, such as recurrence or incontinence.  Follow-up appointments were scheduled for postoperative care and assessment of healing progress.  ICD-10 code K60.3 (anal and rectal fistula) and relevant CPT codes for the chosen procedure will be documented for medical billing and coding purposes.