ICD-10 Code K55.01 – Acute (reversible) ischemia of small intestine (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K55.01 – Acute (reversible) ischemia of small intestine
What it is
K55.01 identifies a sudden, potentially reversible reduction in blood flow to the small intestine. It means the bowel is ischemic, but the injury is not yet permanent.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include acute abdominal pain, tenderness, and concern for intestinal hypoperfusion or mesenteric ischemia. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for imaging, operative, or specialist confirmation.
When to use this code
Use K55.01 when the provider documents acute or reversible ischemia of the small intestine. It may apply when imaging, endoscopy, surgery, or clinical assessment supports small-bowel ischemia without documented infarction or necrosis.
Choose this code when the record clearly distinguishes reversible ischemia from bowel infarction, perforation, or chronic ischemia. Check documentation if the note only says “ischemia” without specifying the small intestine.
Do not use for
Do not use K55.01 for intestinal infarction, necrosis, or chronic mesenteric ischemia. Check documentation if the affected bowel segment is not clearly the small intestine.
Coding tip
Code the most specific bowel segment and ischemia type documented; if the note is vague, query for clarification.