BETA v.3.0

2025 ICD-10-CM code K63.0

Abscess of intestine

It is essential to distinguish K63.0 from other conditions that can cause intestinal abscesses. For example, if the abscess is associated with diverticular disease, codes from category K57 should be used. Similarly, if the abscess is related to Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, codes from categories K50 and K51, respectively, should be assigned.

Medical necessity for treatment of an intestinal abscess is established by the presence of signs and symptoms of infection and/or the risk of complications such as peritonitis or sepsis.

In simple words: An abscess is a confined collection of pus.This code indicates an abscess located in the intestine, but not the appendix, anus, or rectum.

Abscess of intestine.Excludes1: abscess of intestine with Crohn's disease (K50.014, K50.114, K50.814, K50.914); abscess of intestine with diverticular disease (K57.0, K57.2, K57.4, K57.8); abscess of intestine with ulcerative colitis (K51.014, K51.214, K51.314, K51.414, K51.514, K51.814, K51.914) Excludes2: abscess of anal and rectal regions (K61.-); abscess of appendix (K35.3-)

Example 1: A patient presents with abdominal pain, fever, and leukocytosis. Imaging reveals a localized collection of pus within the wall of the small intestine, consistent with an intestinal abscess. The abscess is not associated with diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis. K63.0 is assigned., During a colonoscopy, a large, fluid-filled cavity is discovered in the colon wall.Aspiration reveals purulent material, confirming an abscess. The patient has no history of diverticular disease or inflammatory bowel disease. K63.0 is appropriate., A patient with a history of abdominal surgery develops localized pain and tenderness. A CT scan demonstrates an intra-abdominal abscess involving a loop of bowel.The abscess is drained percutaneously. The patient does not have diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis. K63.0 is used to code the diagnosis.

Documentation should support the presence of an abscess in the intestine, including imaging findings (e.g., CT, ultrasound) and/or operative reports describing drainage or other interventions. Clinical signs and symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, tenderness, and leukocytosis should also be documented. It is crucial to rule out other associated conditions like diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.

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