Left sided colitis with rectal bleeding

This code signifies ulcerative colitis that predominantly affects the left side of the colon, specifically the descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum, and is currently presenting with rectal bleeding. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large intestine.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of left-sided ulcerative colitis and explicitly states the presence of rectal bleeding as a current symptom or complication. This code is appropriate for both initial diagnoses and exacerbations where rectal bleeding is noted.

• Ensure documentation specifies "left-sided" colitis and not pancolitis or proctitis alone.
• Verify that rectal bleeding is explicitly documented as present, not just a historical symptom.
• Consider sequencing this code after any acute conditions directly caused by the bleeding, if applicable.