Perforated Diverticulitis ICD-10-CM Codes | 2025

Find valid ICD-10 codes for perforated diverticulitis, including bleeding/non-bleeding types, coding tips, and clinical details for accurate diagnosis.

By Wynona Jugueta on Aug 8, 2025.

Fact Checked by Gale Alagos.

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What perforated diverticulitis ICD-10 codes can I use?

If you're looking for Perforated Diverticulitis ICD codes, there are eight to pick from.

The basic codes you're looking for are K57.80 - Diverticulitis of intestine, part unspecified, with perforation and abscess without bleeding and K57.81 - Diverticulitis of intestine, part unspecified, with perforation and abscess with bleeding.

You must confirm if your patient's Diverticulitis (with perforations and abscesses) is accompanied by bleeding. Based on your findings, pick the appropriate ICD-10 code. You also need to identify the specific intestine that has the Diverticulitis.

There are ICD-10 codes for cases of Perforated Diverticulitis in the small intestine, large intestine (the most common), or both intestines. They have with bleeding and without bleeding variants. Here they are:

K57.00: Diverticulitis of small intestine with perforation and abscess without bleeding
K57.01: Diverticulitis of small intestine with perforation and abscess with bleeding
K57.20: Diverticulitis of large intestine with perforation and abscess without bleeding
K57.21: Diverticulitis of large intestine with perforation and abscess with bleeding
K57.40: Diverticulitis of both small and large intestine with perforation and abscess without bleeding
K57.41: Diverticulitis of both small and large intestine with perforation and abscess with bleeding
K57.80: Diverticulitis of intestine, part unspecified, with perforation and abscess without bleeding
K57.81: Diverticulitis of intestine, part unspecified, with perforation and abscess with bleeding

Are these perforated diverticulitis ICD-10 codes billable?

Yes. All eight ICD-10 codes used for perforated diverticulitis are valid and billable. They are recognized for reimbursement and proper documentation and are in accordance with guidance provided by the AHA Coding Clinic.

Clinical information about perforated diverticulitis:

Perforated diverticulitis is a serious complication of diverticular disease of the intestine, typically occurring in the large intestine, especially in the sigmoid colon. Diverticula are small pouches that form in the intestinal wall, often due to increased pressure within the colon. This condition, known as diverticulosis, is generally harmless unless the pouches become inflamed or infected, progressing into diverticulitis.

In more severe cases, the inflamed diverticula can rupture or develop perforations, resulting in perforated diverticulitis. This can lead to systemic infection, abscesses, or even peritonitis, a life-threatening inflammation of the abdominal cavity. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and, in some cases, shock.

The diagnosis of perforated diverticulitis often involves CT imaging to assess inflammation, perforation, or an associated intestinal obstruction. Accurate coding is essential for proper billing and clinical reporting. In some cases, clinicians may also need to distinguish between conditions such as a large intestine without perforation, a congenital diverticulum of the intestine, or Meckel's diverticulum, especially in pediatric or rare adult cases.

Additionally, other nearby structures—such as the appendix—may need evaluation to rule out coexisting pathologies or differentiate overlapping symptoms. Congenital diverticulum may be implicated in rarer presentations, especially in young patients with atypical presentations.

Hemorrhagic complications are also possible. When hemorrhage accompanies diverticulitis, it requires careful management and separate coding to ensure clinical clarity and accurate reimbursement.

Synonyms include:

Perforated diverticulum of intestine
Perforation of intestine due to diverticulitis of gastrointestinal tract
Diverticulitis of small intestine with perforation and abscess
Perforated diverticulum of large intestine
Perforation and abscess of large intestine co-occurrent and due to diverticulitis
Diverticular disease of small and large intestine
Diverticulitis of small and large intestine with perforation
Perforation and abscess with diverticular disease of small and large intestine
Perforated diverticulitis ICD 10
ICD 10 code for perforated diverticulitis
Perforated sigmoid diverticulitis ICD 10
ICD 10 perforated diverticulitis
ICD 10 code for perforated sigmoid diverticulitis

Commonly asked questions

Symptoms often include severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and a rapid heart rate. In advanced cases, patients may experience signs of peritonitis, such as abdominal rigidity and shock.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, blood tests, and imaging studies like a CT scan to identify inflammation, abscesses, or perforations. A thorough medical history and symptom review also guide the diagnosis.

Treatment usually involves hospitalization with IV antibiotics, fluid replacement, and sometimes surgical intervention to remove the affected section of the colon. In severe cases, a temporary colostomy may be required.

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