K65.1

Billable

Peritoneal abscess

HCC Category Mapping

V28HCC 78 — Intestinal Obstruction/Perforation

0.000

V24HCC 33 — Intestinal Obstruction/Perforation

0.226

ESRDHCC 33 — Intestinal Obstruction/Perforation

0.000

What This Code Means

A localized collection of pus in the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, usually caused by infection or perforation of an abdominal organ.

Coding Tips

•Specify the site of the abscess if documented (e.g., pelvic, paracolic)
•Link to the underlying cause when present (perforation, post-surgical complication)

Clinical Significance

K65.1 represents peritoneal abscess, a localized collection of infected material within the peritoneal cavity. This condition requires targeted drainage procedures and antibiotic therapy, and while less immediately life-threatening than generalized peritonitis, it can lead to sepsis and complications if not properly managed.

Documentation Requirements

✓Imaging studies demonstrating localized fluid collection
✓Evidence of infected material requiring drainage
✓Documentation of abscess location within peritoneal cavity
✓Drainage procedure performed (percutaneous or surgical)
✓Culture results from drained material when available
✓Antibiotic therapy targeted to identified organisms
✓Source control measures addressing underlying cause
✓Monitoring for resolution and complications

Commonly Confused Codes

K65.0 — Generalized peritonitis (generalized rather than localized)K68.11 — Postprocedural retroperitoneal abscess (retroperitoneal rather than peritoneal)T81.4 — Infection following procedure (post-operative infection rather than abscess)K63.0 — Abscess of intestine (intestinal rather than peritoneal)N73.2 — Unspecified inflammatory disease of pelvis (pelvic rather than peritoneal)

Code Hierarchy

└K65Peritonitis └K65.1Peritoneal abscess

└K65.1Peritoneal abscess