ICD-10 Code K51.819 – Other ulcerative colitis with unspecified complications (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K51.819 – Other ulcerative colitis with unspecified complications
What it is
K51.819 identifies ulcerative colitis that does not fit a more specific subtype and has an unspecified complication. Use it when documentation confirms ulcerative colitis but does not name the complication.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include chronic colonic inflammation with diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and urgency. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the exact complication.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents other ulcerative colitis and notes a complication, but the record does not specify which complication. It also fits when the complication is mentioned only in general terms and no more precise code is supported. Check documentation for laterality or extent only if recorded.
Do not use for
Do not use this code if the chart identifies a specific ulcerative colitis complication that has its own code. Also avoid it when the diagnosis is Crohn disease, infectious colitis, or ulcerative colitis without any documented complication.
Coding tip
If the complication is unclear, query the provider before defaulting to an unspecified code.