Acute peptic ulcer, site unsp, w both hemorrhage and perf

This code signifies an acutely developing ulcer in the stomach or duodenum, where the precise location of the ulcer is not documented. The ulcer has simultaneously caused both significant bleeding into the gastrointestinal tract and a full-thickness breach of the organ wall. This represents a severe, life-threatening complication requiring immediate medical and often surgical intervention.

This code is appropriate when documentation clearly indicates an acute peptic ulcer with concurrent hemorrhage and perforation, but the specific site (gastric vs. duodenal) is not specified by the provider. Support for this code includes endoscopic findings, surgical reports, or physician notes detailing both active bleeding and perforation.

• Do not use this code if the ulcer site (gastric or duodenal) is documented; instead, select a more specific code from the K25 or K26 series.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states both hemorrhage and perforation are present; if only one complication is noted, a different code is required.
• This code inherently includes the acute nature of the ulcer; do not code an additional "acute" indicator.