ICD-10 Code K51.014 – Ulcerative (chronic) pancolitis with abscess (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K51.014 – Ulcerative (chronic) pancolitis with abscess
What it is
This code identifies chronic ulcerative colitis affecting the entire colon, with an abscess present. Use it when documentation confirms pancolitis and a related abscess.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include chronic inflammatory bowel disease involving the full colon, with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for abscess confirmation.
When to use this code
Use K51.014 when the provider documents ulcerative pancolitis and specifies an abscess, whether seen on imaging, endoscopy, or in the assessment. Apply it only when the record clearly links the abscess to the ulcerative colitis episode.
If the chart says pancolitis without abscess, choose the appropriate ulcerative colitis code instead. Check documentation when the abscess site or relationship to colitis is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for Crohn disease, infectious colitis, or nonspecific colitis. Also avoid it when the record mentions ulcerative colitis without pancolitis or without an abscess.
Coding tip
Confirm both “pancolitis” and “abscess” are documented before assigning K51.014.