Diverticulitis develops when small pouches/sacs (called diverticula) form in the wall of the large intestine that bulge outward through the colon, or large intestine. The article gives an overview of the ICD-10 codes used for diagnosing this condition.

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Diverticulitis is the most serious type of diverticular disease that primarily affects the large
intestine (bowel). This condition occurs when small pouches/sacs (called diverticula) form in
the wall of the large intestine/colon and push outward through the weak spots in the colon
wall. When these pouches become inflamed or get infected (with bacteria) that condition is
known as diverticulitis. Severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea and change in bowel habits
are some of the most common symptoms. Diagnosis by an expert gastroenterologist is
crucial for effectively treating this digestive disorder and reducing the associated symptoms.
Medical coding outsourcing services can help gastroenterology specialists ensure
accurate and timely claim filing and reimbursement.
Most individuals will have a number of diverticula (small pouches in the intestine wall).
When the diverticula are not infected or inflamed, the condition is called diverticulosis.
When diverticulosis is associated with inflammation and infection it is called "diverticulitis."
Reports suggest that around 50 percent of people may develop diverticulosis by the age of
50 years. Around 10 to 25 percent of people with diverticulosis will go on to develop
diverticulitis. The condition often requires treatment because it typically causes severe
symptoms that can lead to serious health complications.
What Are the Symptoms of Diverticulitis?
The signs and symptoms of diverticulitis can range from mild to severe. These symptoms
can appear suddenly, or occur slowly over a few days. Pain in the abdomen is one of the
most common symptoms, which typically occurs in the lower left side of the abdomen.
Some of the other symptoms include -
 Pain, which may be constant and persist for several days
 Nausea and vomiting
 Fever
 Abdominal tenderness
 Constipation or, less commonly, diarrhea
 Increased urge to urinate (urinating more often than usual or burning sensation
while urinating)
 Rectal bleeding
While there are several risk factors for this digestive disorder, the key risk factor is age. The
condition is very common among older adults, especially those above the age of 60 years.
Other potential risk factors include - obesity, lack of physical exercise, smoking, medications
and diet high in animal fat and low in fiber.

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Diagnosis and Treatment
Diverticulitis can be difficult to diagnose because abdominal pain is a symptom of many
digestive disorders. As abdominal pain can indicate a number of other problems, physicians
may conduct a number of other tests to rule out other causes for your symptoms. Initial
diagnosis will begin with a detailed evaluation of health history, symptoms and routine
physical examination (including checking your abdomen for tenderness). A digital rectal
exam will be conducted to check for bleeding, pain and other issues. In addition, for women,
a general pelvic examination will be done to rule out pelvic disease.
Several diagnostic imaging tests such as abdominal ultrasound or abdominal CT scan (to get
pictures of your gastrointestinal tract), and liver function tests will be performed. In
addition, pregnancy tests in women and blood and urine tests (to check for infections,
inflammation and anemia) will be conducted.
Treatment modalities for this condition may depend on the type and severity of symptoms.
Mild symptoms may be treated using antibiotics such as metronidazole (Flagyl, Flagyl ER) or
amoxicillin and over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), to reduce the
level of discomfort. A short-term clear liquid diet and a low fiber diet may be recommended
to reduce the symptoms. Complicated diverticulitis treatment generally involves intravenous
antibiotics and insertion of a tube to drain an abscess (if one has formed). Surgical
procedures like primary bowel resection and bowel resection with colostomy will be opted
only as a last resort for severe or recurring diverticulitis.
Gastroenterologists who treat diverticulitis are required to maintain clear and complete
documentation regarding their diagnosis and the medical services provided. General
surgery medical coding involves using specific ICD-10 diagnosis codes for reporting
diverticulitis on the medical claims.
ICD-10-CM codes used to indicate a diagnosis of diverticulitis for reimbursement purposes
include –
K57 Diverticular disease of intestine
K57.0 Diverticulitis of small intestine with perforation and abscess
• K57.00 Diverticulitis of small intestine with perforation and abscess, without bleeding
• K57.01 Diverticulitis of small intestine with perforation and abscess, with bleeding

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K57.1 Diverticular disease of small intestine without perforation or abscess
• K57.10 Diverticulosis of small intestine without perforation or abscess without
bleeding
• K57.11 Diverticulosis of small intestine without perforation or abscess with bleeding
• K57.12 Diverticulitis of small intestine without perforation or abscess without bleeding
• K57.13 Diverticulitis of small intestine without perforation or abscess with bleeding
K57.2 Diverticulitis of large intestine with perforation and abscess
• K57.20 Diverticulitis of large intestine with perforation and abscess, without bleeding
• K57.21 Diverticulitis of large intestine with perforation and abscess, with bleeding
K57.3 Diverticular disease of large intestine without perforation or abscess
• K57.30 Diverticulosis of large intestine without perforation or abscess without
bleeding
• K57.31 Diverticulosis of large intestine without perforation or abscess with bleeding
• K57.32 Diverticulitis of large intestine without perforation or abscess without bleeding
• K57.33 Diverticulitis of large intestine without perforation or abscess with bleeding
K57.4 Diverticulitis of both small and large intestine with perforation and abscess
• K57.40 Diverticulitis of both small and large intestine with perforation and abscess,
without bleeding
• K57.41 Diverticulitis of both small and large intestine with perforation and abscess,
with bleeding
K57.5 Diverticular disease of both small and large intestine without perforation or
abscess
• K57.50 Diverticulosis of both small and large intestine without perforation or abscess
without bleeding
• K57.51 Diverticulosis of both small and large intestine without perforation or abscess
with bleeding
• K57.52 Diverticulitis of both small and large intestine without perforation or abscess
without bleeding
• K57.53 Diverticulitis of both small and large intestine without perforation or abscess
with bleeding

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K57.8 Diverticulitis of intestine, part unspecified, with perforation and abscess
• K57.80 Diverticulitis of intestine, part unspecified, with perforation and abscess,
without bleeding
• K57.81 Diverticulitis of intestine, part unspecified, with perforation and abscess, with
bleeding
K57.9 Diverticular disease of intestine, part unspecified, without perforation or
abscess
• K57.90 - Diverticulosis of intestine, part unspecified, without perforation or abscess
without bleeding
• K57.91 - Diverticulosis of intestine, part unspecified, without perforation or abscess
with bleeding
• K57.92 - Diverticulitis of intestine, part unspecified, without perforation or abscess
without bleeding
• K57.93 - Diverticulitis of intestine, part unspecified, without perforation or abscess
with bleeding
Medical coding for diverticulitis is challenging. For accurate and timely medical billing and
claims submission, general surgery practices can outsource their medical coding tasks to a
reliable medical billing company that provides the services of AAPC-certified coding
specialists.
Diverticulitis is an increasingly common digestive disorder in the United States.
Incorporating several systematic positive lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, drinking
plenty of fluids and eating more fiber rich foods can reduce the potential risk of developing
this condition or help reduce the symptoms, or risk of recurrence. People who consume a
well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables will have a reduced risk of developing
diverticulitis.