What does ICD-10 code K50 mean?

ICD-10 code K50 is the standardized code used for crohn's disease [regional enteritis] in medical records and coding systems.

When is ICD-10 code K50 used?

Doctors, hospitals, and insurers may use ICD-10 code K50 when recording crohn's disease [regional enteritis] in a standardized format. This entry may also act as a broader category that points toward more specific child codes.

Does ICD-10 code K50 confirm a diagnosis?

No. A code helps standardize documentation and claims, but it should not be read as a substitute for a clinician's full assessment.

ICD10

ICD-10 Code K50: Crohn's disease [regional enteritis]

Name: ICD-10 Code K50: Crohn's disease [regional enteritis]
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-21T06:15:28.227Z

K50 is an ICD-10 diagnosis entry used to group records related to Crohn's disease [regional enteritis]. You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen. ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95).

When is it used?

May be used when a clinician documents crohn's disease [regional enteritis] in a patient's medical record.
May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.

What it does not mean

A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.

Code hierarchy

chapter

11Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95)

block

K50-K52Noninfective enteritis and colitis

currentK50-K52

Official coding notes

Includes

granulomatous enteritis

Applicable to

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)

Excludes1 (do not code together)

ulcerative colitis (K51.-)

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)

Where you may see this code

You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.

Related specialists

GastroenterologistGeneral Physician

Sibling codes

K51Ulcerative colitis K52Other and unspecified noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy code aligns to an official FY 2026 category. Frontend should resolve to the official category page and surface the billable child codes.

Legacy codes

K50

Common synonyms

Crohn's disease [regional enteritis]

Frequently asked questions

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.