K55.019

Billable

Acute (reversible) ischemia of small intestine, extent unspecified

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 to the small intestine that is reversible and does not result in tissue death, but the specific extent (focal or diffuse) is not documented.

Coding Tips

•Use this code only when documentation does not specify whether ischemia is focal or diffuse
•Query the provider for clarification on the extent of involvement when possible

Clinical Significance

Acute reversible ischemia of small intestine with unspecified extent indicates significant vascular compromise requiring urgent evaluation and treatment. This diagnosis represents high-risk vascular disease with potential for serious complications if progression to infarction occurs.

Documentation Requirements

✓Acute abdominal pain and symptoms documented
✓Imaging confirmation of small bowel ischemia
✓Documentation of reversible nature of ischemia
✓Absence of bowel infarction or necrosis
✓Extent of involvement not clearly specified
✓Underlying vascular pathology identified
✓Treatment plan and monitoring documented

Commonly Confused Codes

K55.011 — Focal ischemia when segmental involvement documented K55.012 — Diffuse ischemia when widespread involvement documented K55.029 — Acute infarction when tissue necrosis present K55.1 — Chronic vascular disorders for established chronic disease

Code Hierarchy

└K55Vascular disorders of intestine └K55.0Acute vascular disorders of intestine └K55.01Acute (reversible) ischemia of small intestine └K55.019Acute (reversible) ischemia of small intestine, extent unspecified

└K55.019Acute (reversible) ischemia of small intestine, extent unspecified