Chronic or unspecified duodenal ulcer with hemorrhage

This code signifies a long-standing or uncharacterized ulceration in the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine, that is actively bleeding or has a history of bleeding. The hemorrhage can manifest as melena, hematemesis, or occult blood loss, indicating a significant complication of the ulcer.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a chronic duodenal ulcer with evidence of hemorrhage, or when the chronicity is not specified but bleeding is present. This is appropriate for patients presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding attributed to a duodenal ulcer, where the ulcer is not acute. Supporting documentation includes endoscopy reports confirming a duodenal ulcer with stigmata of recent hemorrhage, or clinical notes describing chronic ulcer symptoms alongside signs of bleeding.

• Distinguish carefully between acute and chronic ulcers; this code is specifically for chronic or unspecified.
• Ensure the documentation explicitly links the hemorrhage to the duodenal ulcer.
• Do not use this code if the hemorrhage is due to another cause, even if a duodenal ulcer is present.