ICD-10 Code K51.019 – Ulcerative (chronic) pancolitis with unspecified complications (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K51.019 – Ulcerative (chronic) pancolitis with unspecified complications
What it is
K51.019 identifies chronic ulcerative colitis involving the entire colon, with a complication that is not further specified in the record. Use it when the diagnosis is pancolitis and the complication is documented but not named.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings in ulcerative colitis include persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, urgency, and inflammatory colonic disease affecting the full colon.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents ulcerative pancolitis and notes an associated complication, but does not specify which complication. It also fits follow-up or active-care notes that confirm chronic pancolitis with an unspecified complication. Check documentation if the complication is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for ulcerative colitis limited to the rectum, sigmoid, or a partial colon segment. Also avoid it when the record names a specific complication that should be coded separately.
Coding tip
Verify both the extent of disease and the complication wording; unspecified complications require clear provider documentation.