Ulcerative colitis, unspecified

This code represents a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large intestine (colon and rectum). It is a form of colitis where the specific type or extent of the ulcerative process is not documented.

This code is appropriate when the medical record clearly indicates a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, but lacks further specificity regarding the type (e.g., pancolitis, proctitis) or the presence of complications. It should be used when the physician's documentation simply states "ulcerative colitis" without additional detail.

• Avoid using this code if the documentation specifies a more precise type of ulcerative colitis (e.g., ulcerative proctitis, left-sided ulcerative colitis).
• Always review the entire medical record for any mention of complications (e.g., toxic megacolon, hemorrhage) that would require additional coding.
• Query the physician for greater specificity if possible, as more detailed codes exist for various forms and complications of ulcerative colitis.