Left sided colitis with other complication

This code signifies inflammation of the left side of the colon, specifically the descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum, in a patient with ulcerative colitis. It indicates the presence of an additional, specified complication beyond the colitis itself, such as hemorrhage, fistula, or stricture.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states ulcerative colitis affecting the left colon and specifies a co-occurring complication. This is appropriate when the complication is directly related to or a sequela of the left-sided colitis.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly identifies the specific "other complication" to justify this code.
• Do not use if the complication is not specified or if it's a common symptom of colitis rather than a distinct complication.
• Sequence this code after the primary diagnosis if the complication is a manifestation of another underlying condition.