Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Get Ready To Use K Code For Intra-abdominal Abscess In 2013

Intra-abdominal abscess refers to a pocket of infected fluid and pus located inside the abdominal cavity. This condition is usually caused by a ruptured appendix, ruptured intestinal diverticulum, inflammatory bowel disease, and parasite infection in the intestines.

A CT scan of the abdomen will usually uncover an intra-abdominal abscess. A needle placed through the skin into the abscess cavity will confirm the condition. When a physician validates the presence of an intra-abdominal abscess, you would report it with 567.22 (Peritoneal abscess).

ICD-10 difference: When ICD-9-CM shifts to ICD-10-CM in Oct. 1, 2013, code 567.22 will become K65.1 (Peritoneal abscess). You will treat your claims for this diagnosis the same way as you do under ICD-9-CM.

Documentation: Take note of other similar terms that the physician could use when describing intra-abdominal abscess. K65.1 is also applicable to: abdominopelvic abscess, abscess (of) omentum, abscess (of) peritoneum, mesenteric abscess, retrocecal abscess, subdiaphragmatic abscess, subhepatic abscess, and subphrenic abscess.

Coder tips: If the physician percutaneous abscess drainage, you would report 49021 (Drainage of peritoneal abscess or localized peritonitis, exclusive of appendiceal abscess; percutaneous).