ICD-10 Code K51.011 – Ulcerative (chronic) pancolitis with rectal bleeding (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K51.011 – Ulcerative (chronic) pancolitis with rectal bleeding
What it is
K51.011 identifies ulcerative colitis affecting the entire colon, with rectal bleeding documented. Use it when the record shows chronic pancolitis and bleeding from the rectum as part of the same diagnosis.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include diffuse colonic inflammation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, urgency, and visible blood in the stool. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider clearly documents ulcerative pancolitis and rectal bleeding together. It is appropriate for outpatient, inpatient, or problem-list documentation when bleeding is attributed to the ulcerative colitis.
If the note only says ulcerative colitis without extent, or bleeding is documented without a link to the colitis, check documentation before coding. You need both the pancolitis site and the rectal bleeding detail.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for ulcerative colitis without rectal bleeding, or for bleeding from another source such as hemorrhoids. Check documentation if the diagnosis is unspecified.
Coding tip
Look for explicit wording such as “pancolitis” and “rectal bleeding” in the same assessment before assigning K51.011.