Ac appendicitis with perf, loc peritonitis, and gangr, wbscs

This code signifies an acute inflammation of the appendix that has progressed to a critical stage, involving a rupture of the appendix (perforation), localized inflammation of the abdominal lining (peritonitis), tissue death (gangrene), and the formation of a pus-filled pocket (abscess). It represents a severe, complicated form of appendicitis requiring urgent surgical intervention.

This code is appropriate when documentation clearly indicates acute appendicitis with evidence of all four specified complications: perforation, localized peritonitis, gangrene, and an abscess. Clinical findings such as imaging reports confirming an appendiceal abscess and operative notes detailing the extent of inflammation and tissue necrosis support its use.

• Ensure all four components (perforation, localized peritonitis, gangrene, abscess) are explicitly documented; absence of any one component requires a different code.
• Do not use this code if the peritonitis is generalized; a separate code exists for generalized peritonitis.
• Sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter and treatment.