2025 ICD-10-CM code K35.31
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Diseases of the digestive system - Diseases of appendix Diseases of the digestive system Feed
Acute appendicitis with localized peritonitis and gangrene, without perforation.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of clinical symptoms and signs consistent with acute appendicitis, supported by diagnostic imaging and lab findings.Surgical intervention may be deemed medically necessary to prevent rupture, abscess formation, or generalized peritonitis.
Diagnosis and management of appendicitis, including surgical intervention if necessary.Monitoring for complications such as sepsis and abscess formation.
In simple words: This code describes a serious case of appendicitis.The appendix is infected and dying, and the infection has spread slightly to the surrounding area.However, the appendix hasn't burst yet.
This ICD-10-CM code signifies acute appendicitis characterized by inflammation of the appendix, localized peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity), and gangrene (tissue death due to lack of blood supply) without perforation (rupture) of the appendix.The condition involves localized inflammation of the peritoneum surrounding the affected appendix, indicating a contained infection, but with the presence of gangrene.
Example 1: A 25-year-old female presents with right lower quadrant abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting.Physical examination reveals tenderness to palpation in the McBurney's point.Imaging studies confirm the diagnosis of acute appendicitis with localized peritonitis and gangrene. The patient undergoes an appendectomy., A 60-year-old male with a history of diverticulitis experiences acute onset of severe right lower quadrant pain.Imaging shows an inflamed appendix with gangrene and localized peritonitis.Due to the patient's age and comorbidities, the surgical team opts for close monitoring and antibiotic therapy instead of immediate surgery., A 15-year-old male is admitted to the hospital with complaints of progressively worsening right lower quadrant pain and fever. CT scan reveals acute appendicitis with gangrenous changes and localized peritonitis. He receives intravenous antibiotics, and his condition improves gradually allowing for less invasive intervention.
Complete history and physical examination, documenting the onset, location, and characteristics of pain. Results of laboratory tests (complete blood count, inflammatory markers), and imaging studies (ultrasound, CT scan) confirming the diagnosis and extent of inflammation. Operative report if surgery was performed.Documentation of post-operative care, recovery and discharge planning.
** This code should only be used when gangrene is present. If there is no gangrene, K35.30 would be the more accurate code.The absence of perforation is crucial for selecting this specific code. The severity of this condition mandates prompt medical attention and potentially surgical intervention.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Surgery, General Practice, Emergency Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center