ICD-10 Code K55.019 – Acute (reversible) ischemia of small intestine, extent unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K55.019 – Acute (reversible) ischemia of small intestine, extent unspecified
What it is
K55.019 identifies acute, reversible reduced blood flow to the small intestine when the affected extent is not documented. It indicates intestinal ischemia without specifying how much bowel is involved.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings include acute abdominal pain, tenderness, and evidence of ischemia affecting the small bowel, but the chart should support the diagnosis.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents acute reversible ischemia of the small intestine and does not specify the extent. It is appropriate for confirmed ischemic small-bowel episodes, including postoperative or vascular contexts, if the record supports the diagnosis. Check documentation when wording is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use it for chronic intestinal ischemia or ischemia limited to the colon. If the record describes infarction, necrosis, or a different bowel segment, select the more specific documented code.
Coding tip
Code the condition exactly as documented and query for extent if the note suggests a more specific location.