ICD-10 Code K55.051 – Focal (segmental) acute (reversible) ischemia of intestine, part unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K55.051 – Focal (segmental) acute (reversible) ischemia of intestine, part unspecified
What it is
This code identifies a localized, acute, and potentially reversible loss of blood flow to a segment of the intestine when the exact bowel part is not specified. Use it for ischemia documented as focal or segmental rather than diffuse.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical references describe abdominal pain, tenderness, and signs of bowel ischemia on imaging or endoscopy, but the coded diagnosis should match the provider’s documented location and acuity.
When to use this code
Use K55.051 when the clinician documents focal or segmental acute reversible intestinal ischemia and does not identify the specific bowel segment. It fits cases supported by imaging, operative findings, or specialist assessment. If the record names a precise intestinal part, code that documented site instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for chronic intestinal ischemia, infarction, or ischemia involving a clearly specified bowel segment. Check documentation if the record describes ischemic colitis, mesenteric ischemia, or nonspecific abdominal pain without confirmed ischemia.
Coding tip
Code the documented anatomic detail exactly; if the provider names the bowel segment, do not default to “part unspecified.”