ICD-10 Code K52.3 – Indeterminate colitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K52.3 – Indeterminate colitis
What it is
K52.3 identifies indeterminate colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that cannot be clearly classified as Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis. Use it when the record documents this specific diagnosis.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings may include chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and evidence of colonic inflammation on examination or endoscopy.
When to use this code
Use K52.3 when the clinician explicitly documents indeterminate colitis or colitis that remains unclassified after evaluation. It is appropriate for encounters focused on this diagnosis, including flares, follow-up care, and assessment of ongoing colonic inflammation.
If the note instead identifies Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis, code the confirmed condition rather than K52.3. Check documentation when the wording is vague or the diagnosis is still being worked up.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for infectious, ischemic, or nonspecific colitis without documentation of indeterminate colitis. Also avoid it when the provider has already assigned Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis.
Coding tip
Code K52.3 only when the provider clearly states indeterminate colitis; if the chart is unclear, query for the final diagnosis.