ICD-10 Code K90.81 – Whipple’s disease (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K90.81 – Whipple’s disease
What it is
K90.81 identifies Whipple’s disease, a rare systemic infection that affects the small intestine and can spread beyond the gut. It is caused by Tropheryma whipplei and may lead to malabsorption.
Clinical signs
Common findings include chronic diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, and signs of nutrient malabsorption. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for extraintestinal involvement such as joint, neurologic, or cardiac symptoms.
When to use this code
Use K90.81 when the provider documents Whipple’s disease or confirms infection with Tropheryma whipplei. It may also apply when the diagnosis is established by biopsy, pathology, or other documented clinical evidence. Do not assign it for nonspecific malabsorption without documented Whipple’s disease.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for general diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, or unspecified intestinal malabsorption. Check documentation if the record only suggests Whipple’s disease without a confirmed diagnosis.
Coding tip
Look for explicit provider documentation of Whipple’s disease and any related manifestations, then code those conditions separately when supported.