Acute appendicitis (K35)

The ICD-10 code K35 and its subcategories specifically identify different forms of acute appendicitis, ranging from simple inflammation to complicated cases with peritonitis, perforation, abscess, or gangrene. These codes are essential for precisely documenting the exact nature and severity of appendicitis in medical records.

The ICD-10 code for acute appendicitis K35 covers uncomplicated inflammation, while detailed codes like K35.2 refer to appendicitis with generalized peritonitis, including variations with or without abscess and perforation. For example, K35.209 describes acute appendicitis with generalized peritonitis without specifying perforation, linked to terms like "acute appendicitis with peritonitis." Codes such as K35.3 and its extensions address localized peritonitis cases, some involving gangrene or perforation, with various synonymous clinical terms like "perforation of appendix" and "ruptured suppurative appendicitis." Additionally, K35.8 and K35.89 classify unspecified or other acute appendicitis forms, including gangrenous appendicitis and suppurative appendicitis. Using these codes helps healthcare professionals and coders document the precise diagnosis for treatment decisions and accurate health data reporting.