ICD-10 Code K55.029 – Acute infarction of small intestine, extent unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K55.029 – Acute infarction of small intestine, extent unspecified
What it is
This code identifies an acute loss of blood flow causing tissue death in the small intestine, when the record does not specify how much bowel is affected. Use it for documented acute small-bowel infarction without a stated extent.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include sudden abdominal pain, tenderness, and signs of bowel ischemia or necrosis. Imaging, surgery, or pathology may confirm infarction; clinical features vary, so refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use K55.029 when the provider documents acute infarction of the small intestine and does not specify a segment or extent. It also fits when the chart confirms acute small-bowel infarction but lacks detail needed for a more specific code. Check documentation if ischemia is described without infarction.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for chronic intestinal ischemia, nonspecific abdominal pain, or mesenteric ischemia without documented infarction. If the record identifies a different bowel segment or a more specific extent, code that instead.
Coding tip
Query for the bowel segment and extent whenever the note says “infarction” but gives incomplete detail.