K51.312

Billable

Ulcerative (chronic) rectosigmoiditis with intestinal obstruction

HCC Category Mapping

RxHCCHCC 67 — Inflammatory Bowel Disease

0.000

What This Code Means

Chronic inflammation with ulcers in the rectum and sigmoid colon that is causing a blockage in the intestines.

Coding Tips

•Document evidence of intestinal obstruction in the clinical notes
•Distinguish between partial and complete obstruction if documented

Clinical Significance

Ulcerative rectosigmoiditis with intestinal obstruction is a serious mechanical complication where inflammation in the rectum and sigmoid colon causes bowel blockage. This may occur from stricture formation due to chronic inflammation and often requires hospitalization for bowel rest, decompression, or surgical intervention.

Documentation Requirements

✓Confirmed ulcerative colitis of the rectum and sigmoid colon
✓Imaging or clinical evidence of intestinal obstruction
✓Documentation of obstruction type (partial vs. complete) and location
✓Provider statement linking obstruction to the rectosigmoiditis
✓Treatment plan including conservative management or surgical consultation
✓Assessment for stricture versus inflammatory cause

Commonly Confused Codes

K51.312 vs K56.69 — K56.69 is other intestinal obstruction unrelated to inflammatory bowel disease K51.312 vs K51.012 — K51.012 is pancolitis with obstruction (entire colon involvement)K51.312 vs K51.512 — K51.512 is left-sided colitis with obstruction (more extensive)K51.312 vs K51.311 — K51.311 is rectosigmoiditis with rectal bleeding, not obstruction

Code Hierarchy

└K51Ulcerative colitis └K51.3Ulcerative (chronic) rectosigmoiditis └K51.31Ulcerative (chronic) rectosigmoiditis with complications └K51.312Ulcerative (chronic) rectosigmoiditis with intestinal obstruction

└K51.312Ulcerative (chronic) rectosigmoiditis with intestinal obstruction