K55.039

Billable

Acute (reversible) ischemia of large 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

A temporary lack of blood flow to the large intestine that may be reversible, but the exact area affected is not specified.

Coding Tips

•Use this code when acute ischemia of the colon is documented but the specific extent (focal vs. diffuse) cannot be determined from the clinical record.
•This is a less specific code; review documentation to see if focal or diffuse extent can be determined for more precise coding.

Clinical Significance

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

Documentation Requirements

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

Commonly Confused Codes

K55.031 — Focal ischemia when segmental involvement documented K55.032 — Diffuse ischemia when widespread involvement documented K55.049 — Acute infarction when tissue necrosis present K51.90 — Ulcerative colitis without ischemic changes

Code Hierarchy

└K55Vascular disorders of intestine └K55.0Acute vascular disorders of intestine └K55.03Acute (reversible) ischemia of large intestine └K55.039Acute (reversible) ischemia of large intestine, extent unspecified

└K55.039Acute (reversible) ischemia of large intestine, extent unspecified