ICD-10 Code K52.1 – Toxic gastroenteritis and colitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K52.1 – Toxic gastroenteritis and colitis
What it is
K52.1 identifies inflammation of the stomach, small bowel, or colon caused by a toxic or harmful substance. Use it when documentation shows an external toxic exposure rather than an infectious or chronic inflammatory cause.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly reported findings may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or colitis symptoms after exposure to a toxic agent.
When to use this code
Use K52.1 when the provider links gastroenteritis or colitis to a toxic substance, medication, or chemical exposure. It fits cases documented as toxic, chemical, or poison-related inflammation of the GI tract. If the cause is unclear, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for infectious gastroenteritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn disease, or nonspecific abdominal symptoms without a toxic cause. Check documentation if the record does not clearly support toxicity.
Coding tip
Verify the causal agent and the provider’s wording; toxic GI conditions often require an additional code for the exposure.