Ulcerative (chronic) proctosigmoiditis

This code signifies chronic inflammation and ulceration affecting the rectum and sigmoid colon. It is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by persistent mucosal damage in these specific lower gastrointestinal segments. Patients typically experience symptoms such as rectal bleeding, tenesmus, and diarrhea.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of ulcerative proctosigmoiditis, indicating chronic involvement of both the rectum and sigmoid colon. Supporting documentation should include endoscopic findings (e.g., colonoscopy with biopsy) confirming inflammation and ulceration limited to these areas, along with a chronic disease course.

• Differentiate from ulcerative colitis affecting more extensive segments of the colon (e.g., pancolitis).
• Ensure documentation specifies "chronic" to support this particular code; acute presentations would use different codes.
• Code any associated complications, such as strictures or toxic megacolon, separately.