Crohn's disease of both small and lg int w intestinal obst

This code signifies a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting both the small and large intestines, complicated by a blockage in the intestinal tract. The obstruction can be partial or complete, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and inability to pass stool or gas.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states Crohn's disease involving both the small and large bowel, and also identifies an intestinal obstruction as a current complication. Supporting documentation would include physician notes detailing the diagnosis of Crohn's, imaging reports confirming the location of the disease and the presence of an obstruction, and operative reports if surgical intervention for the obstruction occurred.

• Ensure documentation specifies involvement of both the small and large intestine for Crohn's disease.
• Verify the presence of an actual obstruction, not just stricture or narrowing, unless the stricture is causing obstructive symptoms.
• Consider additional codes for specific types of obstruction (e.g., K56.609 for unspecified intestinal obstruction) if further detail is provided and appropriate.