ICD-10 Code K91.850 – Pouchitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K91.850 – Pouchitis
What it is
Pouchitis is inflammation of an intestinal pouch, most often a surgically created ileal pouch after colectomy. Use this code when documentation identifies pouch inflammation without needing to specify a separate cause.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include increased stool frequency, urgency, pelvic discomfort, and sometimes rectal bleeding or fever. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use K91.850 when the provider documents pouchitis as the diagnosis, including acute or chronic pouch inflammation. It may appear in follow-up visits, postoperative evaluations, or admissions for symptoms attributed to the pouch. If the note only says “pouch symptoms,” check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for general postoperative abdominal pain, colitis, or complications not specifically identified as pouchitis. Check documentation if the record instead describes infection, obstruction, or another pouch complication.
Coding tip
Assign K91.850 only when the provider clearly names pouchitis; otherwise query for clarification.