ICD-10 Code K90.822 – Short bowel syndrome without colon in continuity (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K90.822 – Short bowel syndrome without colon in continuity
What it is
K90.822 identifies short bowel syndrome in a patient whose remaining bowel does not have the colon in continuity. It reflects reduced intestinal length or function that limits absorption and usually follows major bowel resection or loss.
Clinical signs
Common findings include chronic diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, and malabsorption. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the extent of bowel loss and whether the colon is absent from the digestive pathway.
When to use this code
Use K90.822 when the record clearly states short bowel syndrome without colon in continuity. This is appropriate after extensive small-bowel resection, stoma-related diversion, or other anatomy where the colon is not connected to the intestinal stream. Check documentation for the exact postoperative anatomy.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for short bowel syndrome with colon in continuity, which has a different ICD-10-CM code. Do not assign it when the chart only mentions bowel resection or malabsorption without confirming short bowel syndrome.
Coding tip
Verify operative notes, imaging, or specialist documentation for the phrase “without colon in continuity” before coding.