K51.913
BillableUlcerative colitis, unspecified with fistula
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
Ulcerative colitis of unspecified extent with an abnormal tunnel-like connection between the colon and other tissues.
Coding Tips
- •Document the location and type of fistula (enterocutaneous, rectovaginal, etc.) for complete clinical documentation.
- •Fistulas in ulcerative colitis may require additional codes if they involve other organs or require separate treatment.
Clinical Significance
Ulcerative colitis, unspecified, with fistula indicates fistula formation in ulcerative colitis of undetermined extent. The presence of a fistula is unusual for ulcerative colitis and should prompt both determination of disease extent and reconsideration of whether the diagnosis might be Crohn disease, which is far more commonly associated with fistulizing disease.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Confirmed ulcerative colitis diagnosis
- ✓Documentation of fistula type and location
- ✓Imaging confirmation of fistula
- ✓Provider statement linking fistula to the colitis
- ✓Documentation of diagnostic reconsideration for Crohn disease
- ✓Surgical consultation and treatment plan
Commonly Confused Codes
Code Hierarchy
└K51Ulcerative colitis└K51.9Ulcerative colitis, unspecified└K51.91Ulcerative colitis, unspecified, with complications└K51.913Ulcerative colitis, unspecified with fistula
└K51.913Ulcerative colitis, unspecified with fistula