In simple words: This code indicates that the patient has a colostomy, which is an opening created surgically to allow stool to pass out of the body through the abdomen.

This ICD-10-CM code signifies the status of a patient with a colostomy, a surgically created opening between the colon and the body surface.It is used to document the presence of a colostomy during encounters with healthcare services where it may influence the patient's health status but is not the primary reason for the visit.This code should not be used to document complications of the colostomy; specific codes exist for those.

Example 1: A patient with a history of colon cancer who underwent a colostomy procedure presents for a routine check-up. The colostomy status (Z93.3) is documented as an additional factor influencing their health., A patient with a colostomy presents for a follow-up appointment to discuss concerns about managing their colostomy appliance. The code Z93.3 is documented in conjunction with the reason for the encounter., A patient with a colostomy presents with a urinary tract infection. The colostomy status (Z93.3) is documented as an additional condition along with the primary diagnosis of the infection.

Documentation should clearly state the type of artificial opening (colostomy) and its current status. If there are any complications or specific needs related to the colostomy, those should be documented separately with appropriate codes.

** Excludes1: artificial openings requiring attention or management (Z43.-) complications of external stoma (J95.0-, K94.-, N99.5-)