Unspecified peritonitis

This code represents inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, when the specific cause or type of peritonitis is not documented. It indicates a generalized inflammatory response within the abdomen without further etiological detail.

Use this code when the medical record clearly states "peritonitis" but provides no additional information regarding its origin (e.g., infectious, chemical, spontaneous, secondary to perforation). Documentation must explicitly lack specificity regarding the type or cause of peritonitis.

• Avoid using this code if any further detail about the peritonitis (e.g., localized, generalized, acute, chronic, infectious, chemical, or due to a specific underlying condition) is documented.
• Always query the provider for more specific documentation if "peritonitis" is noted without further clarification.
• This code should be a last resort when no other, more specific peritonitis code can be assigned.