Left sided colitis with abscess

This code signifies inflammation of the left side of the colon, specifically the descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum, complicated by the formation of a localized collection of pus. This condition is a severe manifestation of ulcerative colitis affecting the distal large intestine.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates ulcerative colitis localized to the left colon, and an abscess is identified. This typically applies to patients presenting with symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, fever, and purulent discharge, confirmed by imaging (e.g., CT scan, colonoscopy) showing an abscess within the left colon.

• Ensure documentation specifies "left-sided" colitis and explicitly mentions an "abscess."
• Do not use this code for Crohn's disease with abscess; refer to codes in the K50 category.
• Sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when the abscess is the main reason for the encounter or treatment.