AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS - 2016 Issue 4; ICD-10-CM NEW/REVISED CODES
Megacolon
Codes K59.31, Toxic megacolon, and K59.39, Other megacolon, have been created for megacolon. Megacolon is a significant dilation of the colon. Toxic megacolon is the rapid nonobstructive dilation of the colon with infection or inflammation. Various forms of colitis such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s colitis, infectious colitis, ischemic colitis, radiation colitis and colitis associated with chemotherapy, and medications that affect motility of the bowel can all cause megacolon. The dilation may be segmental or include the entire colon. As nitric oxide increases and inhibits smooth muscle tone, inflammation progresses from the mucosa into smooth muscle layers...
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Article Overview
This article covers megacolon and toxic megacolon in a clinical and coding context. It explains the condition, common associated forms of colitis and other contributing factors, and why timely recognition matters for patients and coders using ICD-10-CM guidance.
Why This Topic Matters
Megacolon can be associated with serious complications and may require prompt treatment. The article is useful for coders, CDI professionals, and clinicians who need to understand how this diagnosis is framed in ICD-10-CM and the broader clinical picture.
What You Will Learn
- How megacolon is discussed in relation to ICD-10-CM classification
- What clinical conditions are commonly associated with megacolon
- Why timely identification and treatment are clinically important
- What broad management considerations are mentioned in the article
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Clinical documentation integrity professionals
- Clinicians
- Health information management professionals
Codes Discussed
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