Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Question: What is an anal fistula and what code should I use todescribe it?

Washington, D.C. Subscriber

Answer: You should report 565.1 (Anal fistula) to describe this diagnosis. This condition pertains to a small tunnel forming under the skin that connects a previously infected anal gland to the skin on the buttocks. It is often the result of a previous abscess in the anus's glands.

A patient who feels ill and complains of chills, fever and pain in the rectum or anus could be suffering from this condition. It is often necessary to consider surgery to treat an anal fistula.