ICD-10 code for necrotizing enterocolitis

The ICD-10-CM code for necrotizing enterocolitis is K55.30 (Necrotizing enterocolitis, unspecified). The official index lists 16 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on K55.30.

Within K55.3, choose K55.30 (unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: stage 1 necrotizing enterocolitis (K55.31), stage 2 necrotizing enterocolitis (K55.32) and stage 3 necrotizing enterocolitis (K55.33).

As a secondary diagnosis it is an MCC (major complication or comorbidity), which can move an inpatient stay into the highest-paying "with MCC" MS-DRG of its family, unless the principal diagnosis excludes it.

In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 393 (Other Digestive System Diagnoses with MCC, relative weight 1.5881), DRG 394 (Other Digestive System Diagnoses with CC, relative weight 0.9228), DRG 395 (Other Digestive System Diagnoses without CC/MCC, relative weight 0.6382), DRG 791 (Prematurity with Major Problems, relative weight 4.1075) and DRG 793 (Full Term Neonate with Major Problems, relative weight 4.2195), in MDC 06 (Diseases and Disorders of the Digestive System) and MDC 15 (Newborns and Other Neonates with Conditions Originating in the Perinatal Period), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.