ICD-10 Code K51.81 – Other ulcerative colitis with complications (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K51.81 – Other ulcerative colitis with complications
What it is
K51.81 identifies ulcerative colitis that is documented as having complications, but not a more specific ulcerative colitis subtype. Use it when the record confirms complication-related disease and does not name another exact code.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings in ulcerative colitis may include bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, urgency, and rectal bleeding, with complications noted in the chart.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents other ulcerative colitis and states there is a complication, but the note does not support a more specific ulcerative colitis code. It is also appropriate when the complication is clearly linked to the ulcerative colitis in the record. Check documentation if the complication type is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for ulcerative colitis without complications or when a more specific ulcerative colitis code is documented. Do not assume the complication; it must be supported in the record.
Coding tip
Confirm both the ulcerative colitis diagnosis and the documented complication before assigning K51.81.