Find information on status post appendectomy diagnosis, including clinical documentation tips, ICD-10 code Z90.89 for personal history of appendectomy, postoperative care, and long-term health implications. This resource covers medical coding guidelines, healthcare provider best practices, and common patient questions regarding post-appendectomy status. Learn about potential complications, follow-up appointments, and when to seek medical advice after an appendectomy.
Also known as
Acquired absence of appendix
Status post appendectomy.
Appendicitis
Includes post-surgical complications of appendectomy.
Personal history of appendicitis
Indicates a past appendectomy without current complications.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is there a current complication?
Yes
What is the complication?
No
Is status post appendectomy stated as the reason for encounter?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Post-op appendectomy, uncomplicated |
| Post-op appendectomy w/ superficial wound infection |
| Post-op appendectomy w/ intra-abdominal abscess |
Coding status post appendectomy without specifying acute, subacute, or chronic creates audit risk and claim denial potential.
Failure to code post-surgical complications like infection or obstruction with status post appendectomy leads to underpayment.
Status post appendectomy should not be principal if current encounter focuses on a new issue, leading to inaccurate DRG assignment.
Status post appendectomy. Patient presents for postoperative follow-up after appendectomy. Surgical history includes laparoscopic appendectomy performed on (date). Indication for surgery was acute appendicitis with right lower quadrant abdominal pain, rebound tenderness, and elevated white blood cell count. Preoperative diagnosis confirmed by abdominal CT scan demonstrating appendiceal inflammation. Postoperative course was uncomplicated. Incisions are well-healing, with no signs of infection, such as erythema, edema, or purulent drainage. Patient reports minimal postoperative pain, well-controlled with oral analgesics. Bowel function has returned to normal. Diet is as tolerated. Patient is ambulating without difficulty. Physical examination reveals a soft, non-tender abdomen with normal bowel sounds. No evidence of hernia or other complications. Plan is to continue routine postoperative care, including wound care and pain management as needed. Patient advised to return to normal activity as tolerated, with avoidance of strenuous activity for (duration). Follow-up appointment scheduled in (duration) for reassessment. Discharge diagnosis: Status post uncomplicated laparoscopic appendectomy. Keywords: Appendectomy, appendicitis, post-operative care, surgical follow-up, wound healing, abdominal pain, laparoscopic surgery, postoperative complications, right lower quadrant pain, rebound tenderness, white blood cell count, CT scan, incision, infection, erythema, edema, purulent drainage, analgesics, bowel function, ambulation, hernia, discharge planning, medical coding, ICD-10, CPT code.