ICD-10 Code K57.01 – Diverticulitis of small intestine with perforation and abscess with bleeding (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K57.01 – Diverticulitis of small intestine with perforation and abscess with bleeding
What it is
K57.01 identifies diverticulitis in the small intestine when the inflamed diverticulum has both perforated and formed an abscess, with associated bleeding. Use it for documented complicated small-bowel diverticulitis.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings may include abdominal pain, localized tenderness, evidence of perforation or abscess on imaging, and documented gastrointestinal bleeding.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents small-intestine diverticulitis with perforation, abscess, and bleeding in the same episode. It also applies when imaging or operative notes confirm these complications and the diagnosis is clearly linked. Check documentation if the site or complication details are incomplete.
Do not use for
Do not use K57.01 for uncomplicated diverticulitis or for diverticulitis without bleeding, perforation, or abscess. Do not assign it if the affected bowel segment is not the small intestine.
Coding tip
Code only when the record explicitly supports all three elements: small intestine, perforation with abscess, and bleeding.