K51.8
Non-Billable

Other ulcerative colitis

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Other ulcerative colitis?

ICD-10-CM K51.8 is the diagnosis code for Other ulcerative colitis. This code falls under the section "Noninfective enteritis and colitis" within Chapter 11 — Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

Coding Guidelines for K51.8

Always refer to the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List for complete coding guidelines. Ensure documentation supports the specificity of the code selected. When in doubt, consult a certified medical coder or the latest CMS guidelines.

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where K51.8 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Current CodeK51.8 — Other ulcerative colitis
Sub-Codes (2)
Sub-Codes 2 entries
K51.80Other ulcerative colitis without complicationsBillableK51.81Other ulcerative colitis with complicationsNon-BillableK51.811Other ulcerative colitis with rectal bleedingBillableK51.812Other ulcerative colitis with intestinal obstructionBillableK51.813Other ulcerative colitis with fistulaBillableK51.814Other ulcerative colitis with abscessBillableK51.818Other ulcerative colitis with other complicationBillableK51.819Other ulcerative colitis with unspecified complicationsBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is K51.8 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, K51.8 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does K51.8 mean?

K51.8 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Other ulcerative colitis". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What is the parent code of K51.8?

The parent code of K51.8 is K51 ("Ulcerative colitis"). K51.8 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is K51.8 in?

K51.8 is located in Section K50-K52 — "Noninfective enteritis and colitis" within Chapter 11 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of K51.8?

K51.8 has 2 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: K51.80, K51.81.

When should I use K51.8?

Use K51.8 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Other ulcerative colitis" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Other ulcerative colitis?

The ICD-10-CM code for Other ulcerative colitis is K51.8.

Can K51.8 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, K51.8 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is K51.8 in?

K51.8 is in Chapter 11 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

Is K51.8 valid for 2026?

Yes, K51.8 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousK51.519Left sided colitis with unspecified complicationsNext →K51.80Other ulcerative colitis without complications
Code Details
K51.8
Other ulcerative colitis
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
11 — Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95)
K50-K52 — Noninfective enteritis and colitis
2026 ICD-10-CM