ICD-10 Code K51.914 – Ulcerative colitis, unspecified with abscess (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K51.914 – Ulcerative colitis, unspecified with abscess
What it is
K51.914 identifies ulcerative colitis when the type is not further specified and an abscess is documented. Use it for inflammatory bowel disease affecting the colon with a localized collection of pus.
Clinical signs
Findings may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and signs of active colonic inflammation. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the abscess location and any confirmed complications.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents ulcerative colitis as unspecified and also notes an abscess related to the condition. It is appropriate when the record does not identify a more specific ulcerative colitis subtype.
Code from the signed diagnosis, operative note, or discharge summary if the abscess is clearly linked to ulcerative colitis. Check documentation if the abscess is elsewhere or if Crohn’s disease is the better-supported diagnosis.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for ulcerative colitis without an abscess, or for a different inflammatory bowel disease. Do not assign it when the abscess is unrelated to the colitis.
Coding tip
Confirm that both “unspecified ulcerative colitis” and “with abscess” are documented together before you assign K51.914.