Ulcerative (chronic) pancolitis without complications

This code signifies a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting the entire colon, characterized by continuous inflammation and ulceration of the colonic mucosa. It specifically indicates that no complications, such as toxic megacolon, fistula, or stricture, are currently present.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states "ulcerative pancolitis" or "chronic ulcerative colitis involving the entire colon" without any mention of associated complications. This diagnosis is typically established through colonoscopy with biopsies.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "pancolitis" or involvement of the entire colon; otherwise, consider more specific codes for ulcerative colitis.
• Do not use this code if any complications of ulcerative colitis are documented; instead, select a more specific code from the K51 category that includes the complication.
• Review the entire medical record for any mention of complications that might necessitate a different, more specific code.