Ulcerative (chronic) pancolitis with intestinal obstruction

This code signifies a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the entire colon (pancolitis) that is specifically complicated by an intestinal obstruction. Ulcerative colitis is characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large intestine.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a patient has ulcerative pancolitis and is experiencing an intestinal obstruction as a direct complication. This typically requires physician documentation specifying both the extent of the ulcerative colitis and the presence of an obstruction.

• Ensure documentation specifies "pancolitis" and not just "colitis" to support the full extent of the disease.
• Verify the obstruction is a complication of the ulcerative colitis, not an unrelated condition.
• Consider additional codes for the specific type of obstruction if further detail is provided (e.g., partial, complete).