ICD 10 Code For Rectal Bleeding

This post will provide you with all the information you need about the ICD 10 Code for rectal bleeding. The condition is as described as hemorrhage of the colon. The ICD 10 Code for rectal bleeding is K62.5.

This code is billable and is required for diagnosis and treatment. This is the 2019 version and it was effected on October 1, 2018. This is the American version of the ICD 10 code for rectal bleeding, there are other international versions so don’t be confused.

Now that you know this, let’s talk a little more about rectal bleeding.

What is rectal bleeding?

This is one of the problems of the digestive tract and it is also known as hematochezia. Hematochezia is a medical term meaning bright red colored blood present in the stool. Looking critically at rectal bleeding, it has a wide definition. This is because it refers to any bleeding that occurs from the colon.

With this in mind, the blood can come from any of the structures in the Gastro-Intestinal Tract which leads to blood traveling into the GI lumen. Thus, it is safe to say that rectal bleeding is due to problems within the colon or any of the surrounding structures in the GI tract.

Causes of Rectal Bleeding

There are diverse reasons why a person could suffer from rectal bleeding. The most common include hemorrhoids, infections, ani fissures, inflammation, diverticulosis, and blood vessel issues. Others include polyps, trauma, tumors, stomach ulcers, etc.

We have discussed a few details about the causes of rectal bleeding in the next few paragraphs.

Rectal Bleeding Resulting From Anorectal Disorders

These are still the most common causes of rectal bleeding. They include:

  1. Hemorrhoids. This term simply means swollen rectal veins in the rectal and ani areas. These could lead to painful discomfort, burning sensation, and bleeding. There are three types of hemorrhoids, external, internal, and thrombosis.
  2. Ani Fissure. This is the tearing to the lining of the colon. It is mostly a result of passing hard stools. It usually leads to the exposure of vessels and nerves in the area causing some form of pain. Bowel movements lead to an increase in the pain felt. The best way to deal with this is by using a stool softener or a bulking agent. Others include consuming more fiber, frequent warm baths, and use of pain control.
  3. Diverticulosis. The outpouchings that extend from the bowels are known as diverticula. The inflammation of the diverticula is known as diverticulosis. People are more prone to this once they cross the 40-year-old mark. It means the older you get the more risk there is.
  4. Infection. The major source of infectious and bloody diarrhea is bacterial dysentery. Symptoms of this include fever, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding. Antibiotics are mostly administered for treatment.
  5. Inflammations. Another common cause of rectal bleeding is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). It is less prominent in people above 50 years. The bleeding is usually in small amounts and mostly mixes with the stool. Other symptoms include stomach, fevers, and cramps.

Rectal Bleeding From Other Causes

There are several other causes of rectal bleeding. They are:

  1. polyps
  2. Trauma
  3. Tumors
  4. Merkel’s diverticulum

Symptoms of Rectal Bleeding

  1. Pain in the colon
  2. If bright red coloring is observed in the stool or on it.
  3. Pain in the lower abdomen, back, or stomach.
  4. Alteration in the color of the stool to red, black, or maroon.
  5. Testing positive for occult blood loss.
  6. Confusion
  7. Lightheadedness or dizziness.
  8. Fainting, rapid heartbeat, and palpitations.

Rectal Bleeding Among Children

Rectal bleeding, when noticed in a child, should never be treated with laxity as it could end up being fatal. The child may need evaluation by a surgeon and thus may have to be admitted to a medical facility for a period.

Intussusception. This condition is the result of the bowel folding upon itself. It is among the commonest causes of intestinal obstruction as well as rectal bleeding in children between the ages of 0 and 36 months. The major symptoms of this condition are:

  1. Vomiting
  2. Intermittent abdominal pains
  3. Rectal bleeding, in this case, resembles currant jelly.

Rectal Bleeding During Pregnancy

It is common for a woman to experience hemorrhoids in her second and third trimesters. This is because the blood vessels experience more pressure around the pelvic area. Other causes of the pressure could be straining during stooling and constipation. During delivery, the woman will also strain a lot which could also exacerbate the hemorrhoids.

When a woman notices these during her pregnancy, no matter how little, she must consult her physician.

When do You Consult The Doctor?

This question is not uncommon and we’d go straight to the point. When you notice any of these signs, it is time to reach out to your doctor:

  1. Stomach swelling and pain
  2. Vomiting and nausea
  3. When the bleeding worsens or continues.
  4. Weight loss resulting from continuous bleeding.
  5. Change in bowel habits.
  6. Prolonged diarrhea, which ends up being severe.
  7. Involuntary stool seepage, pencil-like stools, and inability to stool.

You know that you have to call the hospital’s emergency department when you notice any of these:

  1. Loss of large volumes of blood
  2. Maroon or black colored stools
  3. Rectal trauma or pain
  4. Fever
  5. Vomiting blood or emission of blood from other parts of the body.
  6. When blood thins out.
  7. Fainting, dizziness, passing out, and weakness.
  8. Irregular or rapid heartbeat
  9. Difficulty in breathing.

Medical Treatment For Rectal Bleeding

As expected the cause of the bleeding is a determinant of the treatment method to be administered. The most common methods include:

  1. Stabilizing the patient’s condition, regardless of the cause of the bleeding.
  2. An IV will be passed to provide blood and other fluids to the patient. The patient will also be placed on oxygen.
  3. After this, specialized treatment will be administered. This may involve a general surgeon, ulcerative colitis specialist, and gastroenterologist.
  4. The patient will be administered if the blood loss continues or the amount lost is large.

Home Remedies

If the bleeding is minimal then the condition can be treated at home. Regardless of this, you should still inform your physician. The following steps can be employed as self-therapy:

  1. Drink lots of water, between 8 and 10 glasses daily.
  2. Take a bath daily and ensure the skin around the colon is properly cleaned.
  3. Reduce straining during bowel movements.
  4. Don’t sit on the toilet for long.
  5. Use ice packs to dissipate the pain in the affected areas.
  6. Stay away from alcohol.
  7. Take a sitz bath.

ICD 10 Code for Rectal Bleeding – Wrap Up

Now that you have gained all of this information about the ICD 10 Code for rectal bleeding you should be well protected against the condition. When you notice the above-stated symptoms make sure you visit your physician promptly.

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