Ulcerative (chronic) pancolitis with other complication

This code signifies chronic inflammation affecting the entire colon, characterized by ulcerations, and accompanied by a complication other than toxic megacolon or colorectal carcinoma. It represents a severe form of inflammatory bowel disease impacting the large intestine from the cecum to the rectum.

Assign this code when documentation specifies ulcerative pancolitis with an associated complication not otherwise specified, such as stricture, fistula, or hemorrhage, but not toxic megacolon or carcinoma. The medical record must clearly indicate the extent of involvement (pancolitis) and the presence of a distinct, non-specified complication.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "pancolitis" to differentiate from proctitis or left-sided colitis.
• Verify the specific complication is not toxic megacolon (K51.011) or colorectal carcinoma (K51.012) to avoid miscoding.
• Code any specific, identifiable complication (e.g., K51.4 for stricture) in addition to this code, if applicable and further specified.