Diffuse acute infarction of intestine, part unspecified

This code signifies widespread, sudden tissue death in the intestine due to a lack of blood supply, where the specific section of the intestine affected is not documented. It represents an acute and severe ischemic event impacting a significant portion of the bowel.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates an acute, diffuse intestinal infarction, but the physician does not specify which part of the intestine (e.g., small, large) is involved. This code is appropriate when the extent of the infarction is described as generalized or widespread without further anatomical detail.

• Do not use this code if a specific segment of the intestine (e.g., small intestine, large intestine) is identified as infarcted; instead, use a more specific code from the K55.0- series.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "diffuse" or "widespread" and "acute" to support this code.
• Consider sequencing this code as the primary diagnosis if it is the reason for the encounter, followed by codes for any underlying causes or complications.