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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesDiseases of appendixICD-10-CM k37-unspecified-appendicitis
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    ICD-10-CM Code For Unspecified Appendicitis: Group Overview

    The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code group K37 includes diagnoses for appendicitis that are not further specified as acute, chronic, or with complications, covering unspecified inflammation of the vermiform appendix. These ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes are used to document clinical encounters where the provider documents appendicitis but does not specify the type, severity, or presence of complications. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-CM K37 group supports proper claim adjudication.

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    ICD-10-CM K37: Unspecified Appendicitis Overview

    The diagnoses in this group represent cases of appendicitis where a more specific type or complication is not documented, targeting inflammation of the vermiform appendix in the digestive system. These codes are used when clinical documentation does not specify acute, chronic, or complicated appendicitis. Accurate coding matters for correct classification and supports appropriate reimbursement by reflecting the level of documented specificity.

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    When to Use

    Use a code from this group when the medical documentation indicates appendicitis but lacks detail about acuity or complications. Do not select a more specific appendicitis code unless the provider documents the specific type or associated findings.

    ICD-10-CM Codes

    1 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    K37Unspecified appendicitis

    DRG Codes

    3 rows

    DRG CodeDescription
    393Other Digestive System Diagnoses with MCC
    394Other Digestive System Diagnoses with CC
    395Other Digestive System Diagnoses without CC/MCC

    Typical Clinical Scenarios

    • A previously healthy 22-year-old presents to the emergency department with 24 hours of worsening right lower quadrant abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea, and low-grade fever. Physical exam reveals localized tenderness and rebound; imaging is inconclusive but clinical evaluation supports a diagnosis of appendicitis without further specification, so an unspecified appendicitis code is assigned when documentation lacks detail on acute vs chronic or ruptured status. Typical codes: K37
    • A 45-year-old woman is admitted for evaluation of subacute right lower quadrant pain and intermittent malaise over several weeks; operative notes document inflammation of the appendix but do not clarify whether the process is acute or chronic. Because records do not specify the acuity or complications of the appendiceal inflammation, the unspecified appendicitis diagnosis is used for coding the encounter. Typical codes: K37
    • An elderly patient hospitalized primarily for ischemic stroke is noted on nursing admission to have new focal right lower quadrant tenderness; the chart documents appendicitis but lacks details about rupture, perforation, or timing, and treatment is deferred pending stroke care. For coexisting appendiceal disease without specification of complication or acuity in the documentation, the unspecified appendicitis code is applied as a comorbid condition. Typical codes: K37

    Related Codes

    K35-ACUTE-APPENDICITIS

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

    K36-OTHER-APPENDICITIS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Other 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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