Hematochezia ICD-10-CM Codes
Read this short guide and learn about hematochezia-related ICD-10 codes you can use for billing.
Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.
What hematochezia-related ICD-10 codes can I use?
- K92.1 - Melena
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on patients confirmed to have Melena, which refers to black stools. These black stools have a tar-like quality and are often sticky. These are also the result of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal area. If there is blood inside or on the black stools, that’s a sign of hematochezia, so this ICD-10 code can be used for it.
- K54.1 - Neonatal melena
This ICD-10 code is the same as Item 1, but this time, it’s for melena in neonates (newborns).
- K92.2 - Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, unspecified
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have a hemorrhage in their gastrointestinal tract. This is an unspecified ICD-10 code, and unspecified means that it’s not specified where the hemorrhage is exactly in the gastrointestinal tract. Blood from the hemorrhage can show up on a stool, and since hematochezia is the term used for fresh, bright red blood on the stool, this ICD-10 code can be used for those who have hematochezia.
- K62.5 - Hemorrhage of anus and rectum
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have a hemorrhage in their anus and rectum. The anus and rectum are part of the gastrointestinal tract, and if there is a hemorrhage in the anus and rectum, it’s likely that the stool that comes out will have blood on them.
- R19.5 - Other fecal abnormalities
Hematochezia doesn’t have a specific ICD-10 code, that’s why certain ICD-10 codes can be used for it. For this ICD-10 code, you can use it on patients with hematochezia, but only if you haven’t found the specific cause or an actual problem that results in hematochezia. That’s because this ICD-10 code is not valid as a principal diagnosis.
These are some of the hematochezia ICD codes you can use.
Which of these hematochezia-related ICD-10 codes are billable?
All of the ones listed above are billable ICD-10 codes.
Clinical information about hematochezia:
Hematochezia refers to the fresh, bright red blood that comes with stool, whether inside or on it. This is often the result of bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract. Do be reminded that it’s not the stool itself that is the hematochezia, but the blood that comes with it (if there is blood). It’s also not to be confused with melena, which is what we call the black tarry and sticky stool.
In order to treat hematochezia, healthcare professionals and providers must look for the source of the bleeding. The treatment will depend on where it’s located, the cause, and how severe the bleeding is. Some will resort to pharmacologic therapy, some will provide medication that addresses inflammation, and some will have to perform surgery.
Synonyms include:
- Blood clots in stool
- Blood-tinged feces
- Occult blood in stools
- Stool flecked with blood
- Lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage
- Massive gastrointestinal bleed
- Obscure gastrointestinal hemorrhage
- Recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding
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Commonly asked questions
Yes. All of the hematochezia-related codes we mentioned are billable ICD-10 codes.
Healthcare professionals and providers will interview patients who are seeking help for blood in their stool. A physical examination that involves examining the rectum and the use of computer tomography angiograms will also be conducted.
It depends on the cause, location, and severity. Treatment can include pharmacologic therapy, anti-inflammation medicine, and surgery.
