ICD-10 Code K63.81 – Dieulafoy lesion of intestine (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K63.81 – Dieulafoy lesion of intestine
What it is
K63.81 identifies a Dieulafoy lesion in the intestine, a rare vascular abnormality that can cause sudden gastrointestinal bleeding. It usually refers to a large-caliber submucosal artery exposed through a small mucosal defect.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings include acute or recurrent intestinal bleeding, melena or hematochezia, and endoscopic evidence of a focal bleeding vessel without an ulcer or mass.
When to use this code
Use K63.81 when the provider documents a Dieulafoy lesion in the intestine as the source of bleeding or as the confirmed diagnosis. It is appropriate when endoscopy, surgery, or pathology identifies the lesion in the intestinal tract. If the record only says “GI bleed” or “intestinal bleeding” without the lesion, do not assign this code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for gastric Dieulafoy lesions, which are coded elsewhere, or for nonspecific intestinal hemorrhage without documented Dieulafoy lesion. Check documentation if the site is unclear.
Coding tip
Code the lesion only when the provider clearly names it and the intestinal location is documented.