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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesDiseases of appendixICD-10-CM k35-acute-appendicitis
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    ICD-10-CM Code For Acute Appendicitis: Group Overview

    The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code group K35 includes acute appendicitis diagnoses ranging from simple acute inflammation to complicated forms with perforation or abscess. These ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes are used to document clinical presentations of appendiceal inflammation, capturing severity, presence of rupture, and associated complications. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-CM K35 group supports proper claim adjudication, complete clinical documentation, and appropriate reimbursement.

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    ICD-10-CM K35: Acute Appendicitis Overview

    The diagnoses in this group represent acute inflammation of the appendix, including uncomplicated and complicated presentations such as perforation and abscess. These conditions affect the gastrointestinal system and often require prompt surgical or medical management. Accurate coding matters for correct clinical documentation and reimbursement because severity and complication status influence care pathways and payment.

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    When to Use

    Use a code from this group when a patient has a documented diagnosis of acute appendicitis, specifying whether it is uncomplicated or involves perforation, gangrene, or abscess. Apply the most specific code available based on clinical findings, imaging, operative notes, or pathology reports.

    ICD-10-CM Codes

    13 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    K35.200Acute appendicitis with generalized peritonitis, without perforation or abscess
    K35.201Acute appendicitis with generalized peritonitis, with perforation, without abscess
    K35.209Acute appendicitis with generalized peritonitis, without abscess, unspecified as to perforation
    K35.210Acute appendicitis with generalized peritonitis, without perforation, with abscess
    K35.211Acute appendicitis with generalized peritonitis, with perforation and abscess
    K35.219Acute appendicitis with generalized peritonitis, with abscess, unspecified as to perforation
    K35.30Acute appendicitis with localized peritonitis, without perforation or gangrene
    K35.31Acute appendicitis with localized peritonitis and gangrene, without perforation
    K35.32Acute appendicitis with perforation, localized peritonitis, and gangrene, without abscess
    K35.33Acute appendicitis with perforation, localized peritonitis, and gangrene, with abscess
    K35.80Unspecified acute appendicitis
    K35.890Other acute appendicitis without perforation or gangrene
    K35.891Other acute appendicitis without perforation, with gangrene

    DRG Codes

    6 rows

    DRG CodeDescription
    371Major Gastrointestinal Disorders and Peritoneal Infections with MCC
    372Major Gastrointestinal Disorders and Peritoneal Infections with CC
    373Major Gastrointestinal Disorders and Peritoneal Infections without CC/MCC
    393Other Digestive System Diagnoses with MCC
    394Other Digestive System Diagnoses with CC
    395Other Digestive System Diagnoses without CC/MCC

    Typical Clinical Scenarios

    • A young adult presents to the emergency department with sudden onset right lower quadrant abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea, and low-grade fever; physical exam reveals localized tenderness at McBurney point and rebound. Imaging (ultrasound or CT) confirms an inflamed, nonperforated appendix without abscess, and the patient is prepared for urgent appendectomy; an acute, unspecified uncomplicated appendicitis code from the group is assigned. Typical codes: K35.30, K35.31
    • An elderly patient arrives with several days of worsening abdominal pain, high fever, and signs of sepsis; CT demonstrates perforation of the appendix with localized peritonitis and a possible phlegmon or abscess. Because the presentation is complicated by perforation and generalized infection, a code indicating acute appendicitis with perforation or peritonitis is used to capture the increased acuity and need for emergent surgical and medical management. Typical codes: K35.200, K35.201, K35.209
    • A pediatric patient has recurrent right lower quadrant pain over weeks with intermittent low-grade fevers and imaging showing an appendiceal abscess or phlegmon managed initially with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage rather than immediate surgery. The diagnosis reflects acute appendicitis complicated by abscess or localized fluid collection requiring nonoperative management, so a code for acute appendicitis with abscess/complication is assigned. Typical codes: K35.210, K35.211, K35.219

    Related Codes

    K36-OTHER-APPENDICITIS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Other Appendicitis: Group Overview

    K37-UNSPECIFIED-APPENDICITIS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Unspecified Appendicitis: Group Overview

    K38-OTHER-DISEASES-OF-APPENDIX

    ICD-10-CM Code For Other Diseases Of Appendix: Group Overview

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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