ICD-10 Code K51.2 – Ulcerative (chronic) proctitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K51.2 – Ulcerative (chronic) proctitis
What it is
K51.2 identifies chronic ulcerative inflammation limited to the rectum. Use it when documentation specifies ulcerative proctitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease affecting the distal rectum.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include rectal bleeding, urgency, tenesmus, and mucus passage. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation, especially when the record confirms rectal-only ulcerative colitis involvement.
When to use this code
Use K51.2 when the provider documents ulcerative proctitis, chronic proctitis due to ulcerative colitis, or rectum-limited disease. It fits outpatient, inpatient, and problem-list coding when the diagnosis is established. If the note does not clearly distinguish rectal involvement from more extensive colitis, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for infectious proctitis, nonspecific proctitis, or Crohn disease. Also avoid it when ulcerative colitis involves segments beyond the rectum.
Coding tip
Verify that the documentation says ulcerative and chronic, not just proctitis, before assigning K51.2.