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ICD-10-CM 2027

ICD-10 code for colon necrosis

K55.049

Acute infarction of large intestine, extent unspecified

From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Necrosis, necrotic (ischemic) › colon”. Page updated September 29, 2026.

About coding colon necrosis

The ICD-10-CM code for colon necrosis is K55.049 (Acute infarction of large intestine, extent unspecified).

Within K55.04, choose K55.049 (extent unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: focal (segmental) acute infarction of large intestine (K55.041) and diffuse acute infarction of large intestine (K55.042).

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.

Common questions about colon necrosis ICD-10 codes

What is the ICD-10 code for colon necrosis?

K55.049 — Acute infarction of large intestine, extent unspecified.

Is K55.049 billable?

Yes. K55.049 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).

Can K55.049 be used as a principal diagnosis?

Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict K55.049 as a principal diagnosis.

Is K55.049 a CC or MCC?

K55.049 is an MCC (major complication or comorbidity) under MS-DRG v44.0, unless excluded by the principal diagnosis.