ICD-10 Code K57.4 – Diverticulitis of both small and large intestine with perforation and abscess (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K57.4 – Diverticulitis of both small and large intestine with perforation and abscess
What it is
This code identifies diverticulitis affecting both the small and large intestine, with a perforation and an associated abscess. Use it when documentation clearly states both bowel regions are involved and complications are present.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include abdominal pain, fever, and localized tenderness, with imaging or operative notes showing perforation and abscess. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use K57.4 when the provider documents diverticulitis involving both small and large intestine and specifies perforation with abscess. It may appear in hospital, surgical, or imaging-based diagnoses. If the record only states diverticulitis without these details, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for diverticulitis limited to only the small intestine or only the large intestine, or when perforation and abscess are not documented. Check documentation if the site or complication is unclear.
Coding tip
Assign K57.4 only when both the anatomic site and the complication are explicitly documented.