K51

Non-billable

Ulcerative colitis

K51 is the ICD-10-CM code for Ulcerative colitis. It is a non-billable category code — use a more specific child code such as K51.0 for billing.

Status
Header (non-billable)
Chapter
K00-K95
Subcodes
7
Edition
FY2026

K00-K95 Diseases of the digestive system

What this means — in plain language

MedlinePlus · NIH

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disease that causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the lining of the rectum and colon. It is one of a group of diseases called inflammatory bowel disease. UC can happen at any age, but it usually starts between the ages of 15 and 30. It tends to run in families. The most common symptoms are pain in the abdomen and blood or pus in diarrhea. Other symptoms may include: Anemia…

Read more about Ulcerative Colitis at MedlinePlus ↗

Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Informational only — not medical advice.

Excludes1 — not coded here

  • Crohn's disease [regional enteritis] (K50.-)

Use additional code

  • code to identify any associated fistulas, if applicable:
  • anal fistula (K60.3-)
  • anorectal fistula (K60.5-)
  • rectal fistula (K60.4-)
  • code to identify manifestations, such as:
  • pyoderma gangrenosum (L88)

Medications indicated for this condition

FDA labeling

Drugs whose FDA labeling lists this condition's category among its indications. Informational only — not a treatment recommendation or medical advice.

Conditions mapped to this code

MedlinePlus · NIH

Plain-language health-topic references grounded in MedlinePlus (NIH/NLM).

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code K51?
K51 is the ICD-10-CM code for "Ulcerative colitis". It falls under K00-K95 Diseases of the digestive system.
Is K51 a billable code?
No — K51 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code (such as K51.0) for billing.
What are the subcodes of K51?
K51 has 7 more specific child codes, including K51.0, K51.2, K51.3.
What is excluded from K51?
Excludes1 (not coded here): Crohn's disease [regional enteritis] (K50.-).

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM FY2026. For informational purposes only — not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.

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