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  6. 2024 ICD-10-CM Code K68.1
Version 2024
Non-Billable Code

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K68.1

Retroperitoneal abscess

ICD-10-CM Code:
K68.1
ICD-10 Code for:
Retroperitoneal abscess
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Diseases of the digestive system
    (K00–K95)
    • Diseases of peritoneum and retroperitoneum
      (K65-K68)
      • Disorders of retroperitoneum
        (K68)

K68.1 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of retroperitoneal abscess. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Retroperitoneal abscess

Non-specific codes like K68.1 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for retroperitoneal abscess:

  • Use K68.11 for Postprocedural retroperitoneal abscess - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K68.12 for Psoas muscle abscess - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K68.19 for Other retroperitoneal abscess - BILLABLE CODE

Clinical Information

  • Retroperitoneal Abscess

    an abscess that is located in the abdominal cavity posterior to the peritoneum.

Patient Education


Abscess

An abscess is a pocket of pus. You can get an abscess almost anywhere in your body. When an area of your body becomes infected, your body's immune system tries to fight the infection. White blood cells go to the infected area, collect within the damaged tissue, and cause inflammation. During this process, pus forms. Pus is a mixture of living and dead white blood cells, germs, and dead tissue.

Bacteria, viruses, parasites and swallowed objects can all lead to abscesses. Skin abscesses are easy to detect. They are red, raised and painful. Abscesses inside your body may not be obvious and can damage organs, including the brain, lungs and others. Treatments include drainage and antibiotics.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Peritoneal Disorders

Your peritoneum is the tissue that lines your abdominal wall and covers most of the organs in your abdomen. A liquid, peritoneal fluid, lubricates the surface of this tissue.

Disorders of the peritoneum are not common. They include:

  • Peritonitis - an inflammation of the peritoneum
  • Cancer
  • Complications from peritoneal dialysis

Your doctor may use imaging tests or lab tests to analyze the peritoneal fluid to diagnose the problem. Treatment of peritoneal disorders depends on the cause.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.