Perirectal Abscess ICD-10-CM Codes | 2023

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Perirectal Abscess

ICD-10 codes are essential for accurate medical coding and billing, including conditions like perirectal abscess. Perirectal abscess is a painful and potentially serious condition that requires prompt medical attention and treatment. 

Here are the commonly used Perirectal Abscess ICD-10 codes, along with clinical descriptions for each:

• K61.0 - Perirectal abscess: This code is used to diagnose a localized collection of pus in the tissues surrounding the rectum. Perirectal abscesses are often painful and swollen and may cause fever and discomfort.
• K61.1 - Ischiorectal abscess: This code represents an abscess in the ischiorectal fossa, a space near the rectum. Ischiorectal abscesses can be extremely painful and may lead to difficulty sitting or walking.
• K61.2 - Supralevator abscess: This code is used when an abscess develops in the supralevator space above the levator ani muscle. Supralevator abscesses can be challenging to diagnose and may cause severe pain and systemic symptoms.
• K61.3 - Intersphincteric abscess: An intersphincteric abscess is a collection of pus located between the internal and external anal sphincters. Symptoms may include localized pain, swelling, and discomfort during bowel movements.
• K61.4 - Recess of the rectum abscess: This code is applied to abscesses in the recesses of the rectum. These abscesses can be difficult to diagnose and may cause deep-seated pain and discomfort.
• K61.5 - Pilonidal abscess: Pilonidal abscesses occur in the sacrococcygeal region and are characterized by painful lumps or cysts. They are often associated with hair follicle infections.
• K61.8 - Other specified abscesses: This code encompasses abscesses that don't fit into the previous categories but are still related to the perirectal area. It's used for less common abscess locations.
• K61.9 - Abscess of the anorectal region, unspecified: When the specific location of the abscess within the anorectal region is unclear or unknown, this code is applied. It is a more general code for abscesses in the perirectal area.
• K62.0 - Fissure of anus: Although not an abscess code, anal fissures are sometimes associated with perirectal abscesses. These are small tears in the lining of the anus, causing pain and discomfort.
• K61.89 - Other specified disorders of perirectal tissue: This code is used for other specific conditions related to the perirectal area that don't fall into the abscess category but still require coding.

Which Perirectal Abscess ICD Codes are Billable

Here is a clear billability breakdown of each commonly used ICD-10 code for perirectal abscess: 

• K61.0 - Perirectal abscess: Yes
• K61.1 - Ischiorectal abscess: Yes
• K61.2 - Supralevator abscess: Yes
• K61.3 - Intersphincteric abscess: Yes
• K61.4 - Recess of the rectum abscess: Yes
• K61.5 - Pilonidal abscess: Yes
• K61.8 - Other specified abscess: Yes
• K61.9 - Abscess of the anorectal region, unspecified: Yes
• K62.0 - Fissure of anus: Yes
• K61.89 - Other specified disorders of perirectal tissue: Yes

Clinical Information

• Perirectal abscesses are localized collections of pus in the tissues surrounding the rectum, often leading to severe pain and discomfort.
• Perirectal abscesses often cause rectal or anal pain, swelling, redness, warmth, fever, chills, pain during bowel movements, and sometimes pus or blood discharge.
• These abscesses manifest in various locations and may be categorized as:

Ischiorectal abscess: Located in the ischiorectal fossa, a space adjacent to the rectum.

Supralevator abscess: Found above the levator ani muscle.

Intersphincteric abscess: Positioned between the internal and external anal sphincters.

Recess of the rectum abscess: Typically occurring in the recesses of the rectum.

Pilonidal abscess: Developing in the sacrococcygeal region, often associated with hair follicle infections.

• Perirectal abscesses generally result from bacterial infections, frequently linked to factors such as anal gland obstructions, hair follicle infections, or underlying gastrointestinal conditions.
• A healthcare professional will evaluate and examine perirectal abscesses. Imaging studies may be needed to determine the extent and location of the abscess.
• Treatment options include:

The primary treatment involves a surgical procedure called incision and drainage, which entails incision to release the trapped pus, alleviating pain and promoting healing.

To combat the underlying infection, antibiotics are often prescribed.

Medications are prescribed to manage pain and discomfort.

In more complex cases, surgical interventions such as fistulotomy or other procedures may be required to address associated complications.

• Perirectal abscesses can lead to complications such as recurring abscesses, anal fistula formation, infection spread to nearby structures, and the risk of severe systemic infections that can be life-threatening if left untreated.
• Preventing perirectal abscesses involves good hygiene, addressing underlying risk factors, and seeking prompt medical attention.
• With timely and appropriate treatment, most patients experience complete recovery from perirectal abscesses. The likelihood of recurrence varies, but diligent management and addressing contributing factors can reduce this risk.

Synonyms Include

• Perianal abscess
• Anorectal abscess
• Rectal abscess
• Pararectal abscess
• Perirectal infection