Stage 3 necrotizing enterocolitis

This code represents a severe inflammatory condition of the intestines, primarily affecting premature infants, characterized by intestinal tissue death (necrosis) that has progressed to Stage 3. This stage typically involves full-thickness intestinal necrosis, often with perforation and peritonitis, requiring surgical intervention.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of Stage 3 necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). This stage is typically confirmed by clinical signs, imaging (e.g., pneumoperitoneum), and/or surgical findings indicating advanced disease with perforation or extensive necrosis.

• Always confirm the specific stage of NEC documented by the physician; do not assume Stage 3 without explicit documentation.
• Code any associated complications, such as peritonitis (K65.0) or intestinal perforation (K63.1), in addition to the NEC stage.
• Be mindful of sequencing: if the NEC is a complication of prematurity, the prematurity code (P07.-) should be sequenced first.