Acute appendicitis with gen peritonitis, w/o perf or abscs

This code signifies an acute inflammation of the appendix that has spread to the entire abdominal cavity, causing generalized peritonitis. Importantly, the appendix has not ruptured, and there is no localized collection of pus (abscess) present.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states acute appendicitis with evidence of diffuse peritonitis, but explicitly rules out perforation or abscess formation. This typically occurs in cases where the inflammation is severe and has extended beyond the appendix itself.

• Differentiate carefully between localized and generalized peritonitis; this code is specific to generalized involvement.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "without perforation" and "without abscess" to support this specific code.
• Review operative reports and pathology findings for definitive confirmation of the absence of perforation or abscess.