K51 ICD-10-CM Code: Ulcerative colitis
A clear reference for the official code description, hierarchy, and related coding information from the FY 2027 U.S. release.
Official description
K51Ulcerative colitis
ICD-10-CM diagnosis code · United States clinical modification
Where K51 sits
- 1
Chapter 11
Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95)
- 2
Section
Noninfective enteritis and colitis (K50-K52)
- 3
Category K51
Ulcerative colitis
- 4
Code K51
Ulcerative colitis
Codes under K51
K51 is a non-billable category. Choose the child code that best matches the documented diagnosis.
Notes for this code
Inclusion terms
No inclusion terms are listed for K51.
Code first
No “code first” instruction is listed for K51.
Use additional code
- code to identify any associated fistulas, if applicable:
- anal fistula (K60.3-)
- anorectal fistula (K60.5-)
- rectal fistula (K60.4-)
Excludes1
Conditions that should not be reported together with this code.
- Crohn's disease [regional enteritis] (K50.-)
Excludes2
Conditions not included here that may be reported separately when present.
No Excludes2 note is listed for K51.
Source and release
- Data release
- U.S. ICD-10-CM · FY 2027
- Effective date
- Oct 1, 2026
- Publisher
- Vero Scribe Inc.
This reference is generated from Vero’s ICD-10-CM description, hierarchy, and code-note dataset. The visible content and structured data share that source.
Frequently asked questions
What does ICD-10-CM code K51 mean?
K51 is the FY 2027 U.S. ICD-10-CM code for “Ulcerative colitis.”
Is K51 a billable or specific ICD-10-CM code?
No. K51 has more specific child codes in the FY 2027 reference data. Select the code that matches the documentation and confirm the active code set and payer requirements.
Where is K51 located in ICD-10-CM?
K51 is listed in Chapter 11, Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95), within Noninfective enteritis and colitis (K50-K52) (K50–K52), under category K51, Ulcerative colitis.
What coding notes are listed for K51?
No inclusion terms are listed for K51 in this reference record. No code-first instruction is listed. Additional-code instructions: code to identify any associated fistulas, if applicable:; anal fistula (K60.3-); anorectal fistula (K60.5-); rectal fistula (K60.4-). Excludes1 notes: Crohn's disease [regional enteritis] (K50.-). No Excludes2 note is listed.