What K61 covers · when clinicians use it
ICD-10 code K61 identifies Abscess of anal and rectal regions in the U.S. ICD-10-CM clinical and billing record set. It sits within the Digestive System chapter (K00–K95), the section that groups related diagnoses so providers, payers, and public-health agencies report them consistently. Clinicians and medical coders apply K61 when an encounter's findings match the Abscess of anal and rectal regions description, attaching it to the patient record so downstream insurance claims, payer audits, quality reporting, and epidemiological surveillance all reference the same standardized diagnosis. The ICD-10-CM is maintained by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, with an updated official code set released each U.S. fiscal year — always verify K61 against the current CMS/CDC release and your payer's documentation guidance before final use. This page summarizes documentation context for K61 and is a coding reference, not clinical, diagnostic, or billing advice.
K61 refers to Abscess of anal and rectal regions, a range of intestinal and anorectal disorders involving vascular compromise, functional disturbances, or inflammatory processes. These conditions may require medical or surgical intervention depending on severity and chronicity.
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain and bloating – Common in IBS (K58), obstruction (K56), or diverticulitis (K57)
- Constipation or diarrhea – Seen in functional bowel disorders (K58, K59)
- Rectal bleeding – Often associated with hemorrhoids (K64) or fissures (K60)
- Fever and perianal swelling – Suggest abscess (K61)
- Change in bowel habits – Seen across K55–K63
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Abscess of anal and rectal regions is based on clinical exam, colonoscopy, abdominal imaging (CT, MRI), manometry, or sigmoidoscopy. Lab tests and stool analysis may support diagnosis in inflammatory or infectious settings.
ICD10 Code Usage
ICD10 code K61 is used by gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, internists, and ER doctors for evaluating GI symptoms, surgical planning, chronic disease monitoring, and billing for diagnostic or procedural care.
Related Codes
- K55 – Vascular disorders of intestine
- K56 – Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia
- K57 – Diverticular disease of intestine
- K58 – Irritable bowel syndrome
- K59 – Other functional intestinal disorders
- K60 – Fissure and fistula of anal and rectal regions
- K62 – Other diseases of anus and rectum
- K63 – Other diseases of intestine
- K64 – Hemorrhoids and perianal venous thrombosis
FAQs
Q1: What is ICD10 code K61?
A: It refers to Abscess of anal and rectal regions, a category of intestinal and anorectal disorders affecting motility, vascular function, or tissue integrity.
Q2: Is irritable bowel syndrome (K58) the same as inflammatory bowel disease?
A: No—IBS is functional and non-inflammatory, while IBD (e.g., K50, K51) involves immune-mediated inflammation of the GI tract.
Q3: What causes paralytic ileus (K56)?
A: It can result from post-surgical changes, medications, electrolyte imbalances, or severe infection.
Q4: Are hemorrhoids (K64) serious?
A: Most are not dangerous but can cause discomfort and bleeding; severe cases may need surgical removal.
Q5: Who treats these conditions?
A: Gastroenterologists, general and colorectal surgeons, and primary care providers depending on the condition’s type and severity.
Conclusion
ICD10 code K61 supports accurate classification and care of Abscess of anal and rectal regions, improving treatment precision, procedural planning, and healthcare documentation for GI and anorectal disorders.