ICD-10 Code K52.832 – Lymphocytic colitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K52.832 – Lymphocytic colitis
What it is
K52.832 identifies lymphocytic colitis, a type of microscopic colitis that causes chronic, non-bloody watery diarrhea. The colon often looks normal on endoscopy, so diagnosis depends on biopsy findings.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include persistent watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and urgency. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation, but biopsy usually shows increased intraepithelial lymphocytes with otherwise near-normal mucosa.
When to use this code
Use K52.832 when the provider documents lymphocytic colitis or microscopic colitis confirmed by colon biopsy. It is appropriate for outpatient, inpatient, and follow-up encounters when this diagnosis is the reason for care or an active condition.
Do not use a nonspecific diarrhea code when the chart clearly names lymphocytic colitis. If the record only says “colitis” without subtype, check documentation before assigning this code.
Do not use for
Do not use K52.832 for ulcerative colitis, infectious colitis, or Crohn disease. Also avoid it when the diagnosis is unconfirmed or when the note only describes diarrhea without a documented colitis subtype.
Coding tip
Code from the biopsy-confirmed diagnosis and document the exact colitis subtype, because endoscopy alone may be normal.