Ulcerative (chronic) rectosigmoiditis with rectal bleeding

This code signifies chronic inflammation of the rectosigmoid colon, a segment of the large intestine encompassing the rectum and sigmoid colon, specifically when the inflammation is ulcerative in nature and accompanied by active bleeding from the rectum. It represents a specific manifestation of ulcerative colitis affecting this particular region.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states ulcerative rectosigmoiditis with a clear indication of rectal bleeding. This diagnosis is typically confirmed via colonoscopy with biopsies and clinical presentation of bloody stools. Use when the patient presents with symptoms such as hematochezia, tenesmus, and abdominal pain localized to the left lower quadrant, and diagnostic findings confirm ulcerative changes in the rectosigmoid.

• Ensure documentation specifies "ulcerative" and not just "rectosigmoiditis" to differentiate from other forms of inflammation.
• Confirm the presence of active "rectal bleeding" as a distinct symptom, not just a historical finding.
• Do not use if the bleeding is determined to be from a source other than the ulcerative rectosigmoiditis.