Bowel Ischemia ICD-10-CM Codes

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Bowel Ischemia 

K55.01

This bowel ischemia ICD 10 code refers to the sudden reduction in blood flow to the small intestine, leading to acute (reversible) ischemia. This condition can result in discomfort, abdominal bloating, nausea, and vomiting. Typically, these symptoms are mild and resolve on their own within a few days. However, in certain instances, the ischemia can become more severe and result in tissue damage.

K55.02

This code is assigned to acute infarction of the small intestine, a more serious form of bowel ischemia that can lead to tissue death. The symptoms mimic acute ischemia but are typically more severe and may include bloody diarrhea, fever, and shock.

K55.03 

It pertains to acute (reversible) ischemia of the large intestine, indicating a sudden decrease in blood flow to this organ, with symptoms resembling acute small intestine ischemia. Usually, the symptoms are mild and self-resolve within a few days. However, in some cases, the ischemia can progress to severe tissue damage.

K55.04

The ICD 10 code for bowel ischemia is specifically for acute infarction of the large intestine, a severe form of bowel ischemia affecting the large intestine. The symptoms closely resemble acute small intestine ischemia but are generally more intense and may include bloody diarrhea, fever, and shock.

K55.05

The ICD 10 code for small bowel ischemia is used to classify acute (reversible) intestine ischemia when the specific location is unknown. The symptoms are akin to those of acute ischemia of the small or large intestine, with varying severity based on the ischemia's location.

K55.06

It is used for acute infarction of the intestine with an unspecified location. Like K55.05, this code is used when the exact site of bowel infarction is unknown. Symptoms resemble those of acute infarction of the small or large intestine, with severity dependent on the infarction's location.

K55.1 

It is one of the most used Bowel Ischemia ICD Codes. This code represents chronic vascular disorders of the intestine, indicating a prolonged reduction in intestinal blood flow. This condition can result in symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. Symptoms are typically mild and intermittent but can worsen over time.

K55.9 

It is assigned for cases of vascular disorder of the intestine when the specific type is unknown. Symptoms can vary depending on the specific vascular disorder affecting the intestine.

K55.2 

It corresponds to ischemic colitis, affecting the large intestine due to reduced blood flow. This condition can lead to lower left abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bleeding, often accompanied by cramping. The diarrhea may be bloody and contain mucus.

K55.3 

It refers to ischemic enteritis, affecting the small intestine due to decreased blood flow. It can cause upper abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bleeding, often accompanied by cramping. The diarrhea may be bloody and contain mucus.

Which Bowel Ischemia ICD codes are Billable: 

• K55.01: No
• K55.02: No
• K55.03: No
• K55.04: No
• K55.05: No
• K55.06: No
• K55.1: Yes
• K55.9: Yes
• K55.2: No
• K55.3: No

Clinical Information

• Bowel ischemia results from reduced or blocked blood supply to the intestine, potentially causing tissue death and severe complications.
• There are two main types: acute (sudden onset) and chronic (gradual onset) bowel ischemia.
• Acute bowel ischemia is a medical emergency commonly caused by blood clots or embolisms.
• Chronic bowel ischemia is less common and often linked to atherosclerosis or other factors.
• Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool, nausea, vomiting, fever, and shock.
• Prompt medical attention is crucial if these symptoms occur.
• Diagnosis involves physical examination and imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.
• Treatment varies based on severity and cause, ranging from surgery for acute cases to medications or artery widening for chronic cases.
• Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to a full recovery.
• Preventative measures include controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, not smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and scheduling regular checkups with your doctor.

Synonyms Include:

• Intestinal ischemia
• Mesenteric ischemia
• Ischemic bowel disease
• Ischemic colitis
• Ischemic enteritis
• Intestinal infarction
• Mesenteric infarction