2025 ICD-10-CM code K35.3
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Diseases of the digestive system - Diseases of appendix (K35-K38) Chapter XI: Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95) Feed
Acute appendicitis with localized peritonitis.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of signs, symptoms, and imaging findings consistent with acute appendicitis and localized peritonitis, requiring surgical or medical intervention.
The physician is responsible for diagnosing and managing acute appendicitis with localized peritonitis. This typically involves physical examination, imaging studies (such as CT scans), and often surgical intervention (appendectomy).The physician must also monitor the patient for complications such as abscess formation or generalized peritonitis.
In simple words: This code signifies an acute inflammation of the appendix that has spread to the nearby lining of the abdomen, but not the entire abdomen.
Acute appendicitis with inflammation localized to the peritoneum surrounding the appendix.
Example 1: A 25-year-old male presents with acute right lower quadrant abdominal pain, rebound tenderness, and fever. A CT scan reveals an inflamed appendix with localized peritonitis. He undergoes a laparoscopic appendectomy., A 40-year-old female experiences sudden onset of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Examination and imaging suggest acute appendicitis with localized peritonitis. She is treated with antibiotics and undergoes an appendectomy., A teenager presents with abdominal pain migrating to the right lower quadrant, low-grade fever, and tenderness to palpation. Imaging confirms acute appendicitis with localized peritonitis. Surgical intervention is performed.
Documentation should include signs and symptoms, such as abdominal pain, tenderness, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Imaging findings confirming appendicitis and localized peritonitis should also be included. Operative reports, if applicable, should detail the procedure performed.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:General surgery, emergency medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center