ICD-10 Code K51.911 – Ulcerative colitis, unspecified with rectal bleeding (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K51.911 – Ulcerative colitis, unspecified with rectal bleeding
What it is
K51.911 identifies ulcerative colitis when the type is not further specified and rectal bleeding is documented. Use it for inflammatory bowel disease affecting the colon with bleeding from the rectum.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include rectal bleeding, bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and urgency. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents ulcerative colitis without naming a more specific subtype and also documents rectal bleeding. It may apply in outpatient, inpatient, or emergency settings when the diagnosis is confirmed in the record. Check documentation if bleeding is mentioned but the colitis diagnosis is uncertain.
Do not use for
Do not use this code if the record specifies a different ulcerative colitis subtype or if rectal bleeding is due to another cause. Do not assign it when documentation only says gastrointestinal bleeding without confirming ulcerative colitis.
Coding tip
Verify both elements are documented: unspecified ulcerative colitis and rectal bleeding.