Primary Care Coding Alert

Based on location of the abscess in the anal and rectal regions, anorectal abscesses can be classified into the following types:

• Anal Abscess or Perianal Abscess – Abscess in the anal or the perianal area
• Rectal Abscess or Perirectal Abscess – Abscess in the rectum or the perirectal area
• Anorectal abscess – Abscess in both anal and rectal areas
• Ischiorectal abscess – Abscess in the ischiorectal fossa
• Intrasphincteric abscess – Abscess in the anal sphincter

Note: Since ICD-10 codes are more location specific, you will have to be aware of the various types of anorectal abscesses to be able to more accurately report the condition using this code set.