Find comprehensive information on sigmoid diverticulitis, including clinical documentation tips, ICD-10 codes (K57.3, K57.30, K57.31, K57.32, K57.39), SNOMED CT concepts, and healthcare resources for accurate diagnosis and coding. Learn about diverticulitis symptoms, treatment, complications like diverticular abscess or perforation, and best practices for medical record keeping. This resource supports healthcare professionals in efficient and accurate clinical documentation and coding related to sigmoid diverticulitis.
Also known as
Diverticular disease of intestine
Covers diverticulitis and diverticulosis of any part of the intestine.
Other diverticular disease of intestine
Includes sigmoid diverticulitis without perforation or abscess.
Diverticulitis of large intestine with perforation and abscess
Specifically for complicated sigmoid diverticulitis with both perforation and abscess.
Diverticulitis of large intestine with perforation without abscess
Specifically for complicated sigmoid diverticulitis with perforation but no abscess.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the sigmoid diverticulitis with perforation?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Sigmoid Diverticulitis |
| Diverticulosis |
| Ischemic Colitis |
Coding diverticulitis without explicit confirmation (e.g., imaging, pathology) risks inaccurate coding and potential denial of claims.
Failing to code the specific location (sigmoid colon) and complications (e.g., abscess, perforation) leads to undercoding and lost revenue.
Miscoding acute diverticulitis as chronic or vice versa impacts quality metrics, reimbursement, and potentially triggers audits.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with sigmoid diverticulitis. Symptoms include left lower quadrant abdominal pain, described as cramping or steady, accompanied by tenderness to palpation in the affected area. The patient also reports changes in bowel habits, including constipation or diarrhea, and may exhibit nausea, vomiting, and fever. A complete blood count reveals leukocytosis, suggestive of an inflammatory process. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast demonstrates findings consistent with acute diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon, including bowel wall thickening, pericolonic inflammation, and possible presence of a diverticulum. No evidence of abscess or perforation is noted. The patient's current presentation aligns with the Rome IV criteria for diverticulitis. Differential diagnoses considered include irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and ischemic colitis. The patient is diagnosed with uncomplicated acute sigmoid diverticulitis. Plan of care includes bowel rest, a clear liquid diet, oral antibiotics consisting of metronidazole and ciprofloxacin, and pain management with acetaminophen. Patient education provided regarding the importance of hydration, dietary modifications, and follow-up care. The patient will be reassessed in 48-72 hours to monitor symptom resolution and determine the need for further intervention or hospitalization. ICD-10 code K57.32, Acute sigmoid diverticulitis without perforation or abscess, assigned.