K51.511
BillableLeft sided colitis with rectal bleeding
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 81 — Ulcerative Colitis
0.000V24HCC 35 — Inflammatory Bowel Disease
0.289ESRDHCC 35 — Inflammatory Bowel Disease
0.000RxHCCHCC 67 — Inflammatory Bowel Disease
0.000What This Code Means
Inflammation of the left side of the colon that is causing bleeding from the rectum.
Coding Tips
- •Rectal bleeding in left sided colitis is a common complication; ensure it is documented in the clinical record
- •Distinguish between active bleeding and history of bleeding, as this may affect the severity assessment and treatment decisions
Clinical Significance
Left-sided ulcerative colitis with rectal bleeding indicates active hemorrhagic disease in the descending colon and rectum. This is a common presentation of disease flare and may require treatment escalation, including corticosteroids, biologics, or hospitalization for severe bleeding with hemodynamic compromise.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Colonoscopy confirming left-sided colitis extent
- ✓Documentation of rectal bleeding including frequency, volume, and clinical impact
- ✓Provider attribution of bleeding to the ulcerative colitis
- ✓Complete blood count documenting hemoglobin and hematocrit
- ✓Treatment plan for the active flare and bleeding
- ✓Disease activity scoring and severity assessment
Commonly Confused Codes
K51.511 vs K51.011 — K51.011 is pancolitis with rectal bleeding (more extensive disease)K51.511 vs K51.311 — K51.311 is rectosigmoiditis with rectal bleeding (more limited disease)K51.511 vs K62.5 — K62.5 is hemorrhage of anus/rectum unrelated to inflammatory bowel diseaseK51.511 vs K51.50 — K51.50 is left-sided colitis without complications
Code Hierarchy
└K51Ulcerative colitis└K51.5Left sided colitis└K51.51Left sided colitis with complications└K51.511Left sided colitis with rectal bleeding
└K51.511Left sided colitis with rectal bleeding