What is the ICD-10 code for unspecified constipation?

The ICD-10 code for unspecified constipation is K59.00. It is used when no specific type or cause of constipation is documented.

How do you code opioid-induced constipation?

Opioid-induced constipation is coded as K59.03. Ensure to document the specific opioid causing the constipation.

When should K59.04 be used?

K59.04 is used for chronic idiopathic constipation, where symptoms persist for over 3 months without an identifiable cause.

ICD-10 Coding for Constipation(K59.00, K59.0, K59.01)

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Explore detailed ICD-10 coding guidelines for constipation, including specific codes for slow transit, outlet dysfunction, and drug-induced constipation.

Also known as:

Irregular bowel movementsDyschezia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Constipation

K00-K95Primary Range

Diseases of the digestive system

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Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

Code	Description	When to Use	Key Documentation
K59.00	Constipation, unspecified	Use when no specific type or cause of constipation is documented.	Patient reports infrequent bowel movements without specific cause or type documented.
K59.01	Slow transit constipation	Use when slow transit is confirmed by diagnostic studies.	Colonic transit study showing >20% markers retained at 5 days.
K59.02	Outlet dysfunction constipation	Use when outlet dysfunction is confirmed by anorectal manometry.	Anorectal manometry showing paradoxical contraction.
K59.03	Drug-induced constipation	Use when constipation is linked to medication use, such as opioids.	Medication list confirming opioid use.
K59.04	Chronic idiopathic constipation	Use when constipation is chronic and no cause is identified.	Symptoms >3 months with no structural/physiologic cause.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Constipation, unspecified

K59.00Billable

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Chronic idiopathic constipationK59.04

Outlet dysfunction constipationK59.02

Slow transit constipationK59.01

Constipation, unspecifiedK59.00

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Constipation.

Failing to document drug causality for K59.03

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment if drug cause is not identified., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit failure due to incomplete documentation., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement for drug-related complications.

Mitigation

Ensure medication review is part of the assessment, Document any temporal relationship between drug use and symptoms

Using K59.00 when specifics are documented

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement due to unspecified coding., Compliance: Increases risk of audit due to lack of specificity., Data Quality: Decreases data accuracy for clinical research and reporting.

Mitigation

Review documentation for specific type or cause of constipation.

Unspecified coding

Impact

Using unspecified codes when more specific codes are available.

Mitigation

Ensure thorough documentation review to identify specific types or causes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with K59.00.

Primary Code

K59.00

Constipation, unspecified

Quick Navigation

ICD-10 codes8

Coding risks3

FAQs3

ICD-10 Coding for Constipation(K59.00, K59.0, K59.01)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for unspecified constipation?

How do you code opioid-induced constipation?

When should K59.04 be used?

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