Hemorrhage of anus and rectum

This code signifies active bleeding originating from the anal canal or rectum. It represents a symptom rather than a specific underlying etiology, indicating blood loss from the terminal portion of the large intestine.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states hemorrhage of the anus or rectum without further specification of the cause. This is appropriate for conditions like hemorrhoidal bleeding, anal fissures, or proctitis where the primary symptom is rectal bleeding, and a more specific diagnosis for the bleeding itself is not yet established or is not the focus of the encounter.

• Ensure the documentation specifies the source of bleeding as anal or rectal; otherwise, consider more general GI bleeding codes.
• Always sequence this code after the definitive diagnosis for the underlying cause of the hemorrhage, if known and documented (e.g., internal hemorrhoids with bleeding).
• Review "Excludes1" notes carefully to avoid inappropriate co-coding with conditions like melena or neonatal rectal hemorrhage.