Diseases of appendix (K35-K38)

The ICD-10 codes K35-K38 are used for diagnosing various diseases of the appendix, including different types of appendicitis and other appendix-related conditions. These codes capture both acute and chronic cases as well as complications like perforation, gangrene, abscess, and peritonitis.

Within this range, K35 primarily covers acute appendicitis, with specific codes distinguishing cases by complications such as generalized or localized peritonitis, with or without abscess or perforation. Common terms like "acute appendicitis with peritonitis" guide coders in selecting the exact code, for example, K35.2 for acute appendicitis with generalized peritonitis. Codes K36 and K37 address other and unspecified appendicitis types, including chronic or healed forms and atypical presentations. The K38 block covers non-appendicitis diseases of the appendix such as hyperplasia (lymphoid hyperplasia), diverticulum, fistula, and other specific disorders like mucocele of appendix. These codes help clinicians and coders accurately record appendix-related diagnoses to reflect the presence and severity of disease and related complications for treatment and billing purposes.