Find information on Constipation Unspecified (ICD-10-CM K59.00, K59.0), including clinical documentation tips for Chronic Constipation and Functional Constipation. Learn about diagnosis codes, medical coding guidelines, and healthcare best practices related to constipation management. This resource provides valuable insights for physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals seeking accurate and efficient documentation and coding for unspecified constipation.
Also known as
Constipation
Difficulty passing stools or infrequent bowel movements.
Other functional intestinal disorders
Includes various bowel problems like irritable bowel syndrome and non-infective gastroenteritis.
Other abdominal pain
Pain in the abdomen not due to other diagnosed conditions, sometimes associated with constipation.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the constipation opioid-induced?
Yes
Code K59.0, Constipation due to opioids
No
Is the constipation due to another specific cause?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Difficulty passing stools, infrequent bowel movements. |
| Slow transit constipation, difficulty evacuating. |
| Outlet dysfunction constipation, difficulty expelling. |
Coding 'Constipation Unspecified' lacks specificity for accurate reimbursement and may trigger audits. CDI can clarify the type and cause.
Distinguishing 'Chronic' from 'Functional' constipation is crucial for proper coding and care planning. CDI should query for details.
Underlying causes or associated conditions impacting constipation may be missed, leading to undercoding and lost revenue.
Q: What are the most effective evidence-based treatment strategies for managing chronic constipation refractory to lifestyle changes in adult patients?
A: When lifestyle modifications like increased fluid intake and fiber prove insufficient for managing chronic constipation refractory to lifestyle changes, clinicians should consider escalating treatment. Evidence-based options include: 1. Osmotic laxatives such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) for maintaining hydration within the intestinal lumen, facilitating stool passage. 2. Stimulant laxatives like bisacodyl or senna, though these should be used judiciously to avoid dependence. 3. Secretagogues such as lubiprostone or linaclotide, which increase intestinal fluid secretion and motility. 4. Guanylate cyclase-C agonists like plecanatide which act locally to improve bowel function. Patient selection and monitoring for potential side effects is crucial. Explore how combining different laxative classes may improve outcomes in some patients. Consider implementing a structured bowel retraining program alongside pharmacological interventions for better long-term efficacy. Learn more about the latest clinical guidelines for chronic constipation management.
Q: How can clinicians differentiate between functional constipation and slow transit constipation during diagnosis, and what specific diagnostic tests are recommended for each?
A: Differentiating functional constipation and slow transit constipation requires careful evaluation of symptoms and diagnostic testing. Functional constipation is typically characterized by infrequent bowel movements, straining, and hard stools, often without identifiable physiological causes. Slow transit constipation, on the other hand, involves impaired colonic motility. To differentiate, clinicians can use diagnostic tests such as colonic transit studies (e.g., radiopaque markers, wireless motility capsule) which objectively measure the movement of stool through the colon, anorectal manometry to assess anorectal function, and defecography to evaluate the mechanics of defecation. These tests can pinpoint whether slow colonic transit is contributing to the constipation. Consider implementing a thorough patient history, including dietary habits, medication use, and psychosocial factors, alongside these diagnostic tests for a comprehensive assessment. Learn more about the Rome IV criteria for diagnosing functional constipation and the role of specialized testing in differentiating subtypes of constipation.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with chronic constipation, also documented as functional constipation or unspecified constipation. Symptoms include infrequent bowel movements, typically fewer than three per week, and difficulty passing stool, often requiring straining. The patient reports experiencing hard or lumpy stools and a sensation of incomplete evacuation. Onset of symptoms is reported as [duration]. Associated symptoms may include abdominal bloating, discomfort, and pain. Dietary fiber intake was assessed and found to be [description of fiber intake - e.g., adequate, inadequate]. Fluid intake is reported as [description of fluid intake - e.g., adequate, inadequate]. Current medications include [list medications]. Medical history includes [relevant medical history]. Physical examination reveals [relevant findings, e.g., normal bowel sounds, mild abdominal distension, no palpable masses]. The patient denies any red flag symptoms such as rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or family history of colon cancer. Diagnosis of constipation unspecified (ICD-10-CM code K59.0) is made based on patient history, symptoms, and physical exam. Differential diagnoses considered included irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and obstructive bowel disorders. The treatment plan includes increased dietary fiber intake, increased fluid intake, and over-the-counter laxative therapy with [name of laxative]. Patient education provided on lifestyle modifications to manage constipation, including regular exercise and establishing a consistent bowel routine. Follow-up appointment scheduled in [duration] to assess treatment efficacy and adjust management as needed.