What ICD-10-CM code is reported after routine appendix surgery with post-operative bleeding?

The appropriate ICD-10-CM code for reporting post-operative complications such as bleeding following routine appendix surgery is K91.840. This code specifically denotes "Postoperative hemorrhage and hematoma of the digestive system, not elsewhere classified," which accurately reflects the complication of bleeding after a surgical procedure.

When coding for complications, it is essential to identify the specific nature of the complication. In this case, K91.840 captures the post-operative aspect related to the procedure performed (appendectomy) and focuses on the bleeding that has occurred afterward. This code ensures that the medical record reflects not just the surgery itself, but also the ensuing complication that may affect patient management and outcomes.

Other codes provided may refer to different aspects of post-operative care or complications that are not specifically related to bleeding. For instance, K91.830 pertains to non-specific post-operative complications without a defined nature, while K91.301 and K91.410 deal with potential other complications or complications not directly associated with post-operative bleeding specifically. Therefore, K91.840 is the ideal choice for documenting this specific complication.