K55.012

Billable

Diffuse acute (reversible) ischemia of small intestine

HCC Category Mapping

V24HCC 107 — Vascular Disease with Complications

0.450

ESRDHCC 107 — Vascular Disease with Complications

0.000

What This Code Means

Reduced blood flow affecting a large portion of the small intestine that is reversible and does not result in tissue death.

Coding Tips

•Diffuse ischemia indicates widespread involvement rather than a localized segment
•Document the extent of involvement and whether perfusion improves with treatment

Clinical Significance

Diffuse acute reversible ischemia of small intestine represents widespread vascular compromise with high risk of progression to bowel necrosis. This condition requires emergency intervention and intensive monitoring due to potential for catastrophic complications and mortality.

Documentation Requirements

✓Acute severe abdominal pain onset
✓Imaging showing diffuse small bowel ischemia
✓Documentation of extensive/diffuse involvement
✓Confirmation of reversible ischemic changes
✓Absence of established infarction or necrosis
✓Vascular etiology and risk factors identified
✓Emergency treatment and response documented

Commonly Confused Codes

K55.022 — Diffuse acute infarction when tissue death has occurred K55.011 — Focal ischemia when involvement is segmental only K55.019 — Unspecified extent when diffuse pattern is documented K55.1 — Chronic vascular disorders for established chronic changes

Code Hierarchy

└K55Vascular disorders of intestine └K55.0Acute vascular disorders of intestine └K55.01Acute (reversible) ischemia of small intestine └K55.012Diffuse acute (reversible) ischemia of small intestine

└K55.012Diffuse acute (reversible) ischemia of small intestine