Left sided colitis with fistula

This code signifies inflammation of the left side of the colon (descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum) in a patient diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, complicated by the presence of an abnormal tract or connection (fistula). This condition is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease where the lining of the large intestine becomes inflamed and develops ulcers, and the fistula indicates a more severe disease manifestation.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis affecting the left colon, and a fistula is explicitly identified as a complication. This typically arises in patients presenting with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and evidence of a fistula on imaging studies (e.g., CT, MRI) or during endoscopic examination.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "left-sided" colitis and explicitly mentions the presence of a "fistula" as a complication of ulcerative colitis.
• Do not use this code for Crohn's disease with fistula; refer to the K50.- series for Crohn's.
• Code any associated complications of the fistula (e.g., abscess) separately if documented.