ICD-10 Code K51.80 – Other ulcerative colitis without complications (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K51.80 – Other ulcerative colitis without complications
What it is
K51.80 identifies ulcerative colitis that does not fit a more specific subtype and has no documented complications. Use it when the record confirms ulcerative colitis, but the location or pattern is not further specified.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings include chronic colonic inflammation with diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, or urgency, but the note must support ulcerative colitis and absence of complications.
When to use this code
Use this code when the clinician documents “other ulcerative colitis” or a nonspecific ulcerative colitis diagnosis without complications. It is also appropriate when the chart does not identify a more specific ulcerative colitis subtype, such as proctitis or pancolitis.
If the record mentions flare, bleeding, or active disease, confirm whether a complication or different subtype is documented. Check documentation before assigning a more specific code.
Do not use for
Do not use K51.80 when the documentation names a specific ulcerative colitis subtype or any complication. If Crohn’s disease, infectious colitis, or indeterminate colitis is documented, this code is not appropriate.
Coding tip
Read the provider’s exact wording and code the most specific ulcerative colitis diagnosis supported by the note.