ICD-10 Code K52.838 – Other Microscopic Colitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K52.838 – Other microscopic colitis
What it is
K52.838 identifies microscopic colitis not otherwise specified as collagenous or lymphocytic colitis. You use it for a biopsy-confirmed inflammatory colitis that may not be visible on routine endoscopy.
Clinical signs
Typical features include chronic watery diarrhea, urgency, and possible abdominal discomfort. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation, and confirm that pathology supports microscopic colitis.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents microscopic colitis and pathology does not specify collagenous or lymphocytic subtype. It also fits cases labeled “other microscopic colitis” or similar wording in the record. Check documentation if the diagnosis is uncertain or only suspected.
Do not use for
Do not use it for ulcerative colitis, Crohn disease, infectious diarrhea, or nonspecific colitis without microscopic confirmation. If the subtype is documented as collagenous or lymphocytic, code that specific diagnosis instead.
Coding tip
Confirm the pathology report and the exact provider wording before assigning K52.838.