Find information on diarrhea diagnosis, including clinical documentation and medical coding for loose stools and frequent bowel movements. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of diarrhea, along with ICD-10 codes and SNOMED CT terms relevant to this condition. This resource supports healthcare professionals in accurate diagnosis and documentation of diarrhea.
Also known as
Infectious gastroenteritis and colitis
Covers various intestinal infections causing diarrhea.
Functional intestinal disorders
Includes conditions like irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea.
Other symptoms and signs involving digestive system
Encompasses diarrhea not otherwise specified or due to other factors.
Other noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis
Includes inflammatory and other non-infectious bowel conditions causing diarrhea.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the diarrhea associated with infectious agents?
Yes
Is it due to Clostridium difficile?
No
Is it associated with a specific medication?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Frequent loose or watery stools. |
| Abdominal pain with altered bowel habits. |
| Infrequent, hard stools difficult to pass. |
Coding diarrhea without specifying acuteness, chronicity, or underlying cause can lead to rejected claims and inaccurate severity reflection.
Failing to code associated dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or underlying conditions with diarrhea impacts reimbursement and quality metrics.
Coding diarrhea as a principal diagnosis when it's a symptom of another condition can trigger audits and claim denials. CDI crucial.
Q: What are the most effective differential diagnostic considerations for acute diarrhea in adult patients presenting to the emergency department?
A: When evaluating adult patients with acute diarrhea in the ED, a systematic approach to differential diagnosis is crucial. Consider infections (bacterial, viral, parasitic), especially if accompanied by fever or bloody stools. Assess for medication-induced diarrhea, particularly antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, and metformin. Explore inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as a possibility, especially if symptoms are chronic or recurrent with abdominal pain. Don't overlook irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) if the diarrhea is associated with altered bowel habits and abdominal discomfort. Other potential causes include lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and microscopic colitis. For patients with severe dehydration or alarming symptoms (e.g., persistent high fever, bloody stools, significant abdominal pain), further investigations such as stool cultures, complete blood count (CBC), inflammatory markers, and imaging might be warranted. Consider implementing a diagnostic algorithm based on patient history, physical exam findings, and risk factors to streamline the process. Learn more about evidence-based diagnostic approaches for acute diarrhea in our dedicated clinical resource section.
Q: How can clinicians differentiate between osmotic and secretory diarrhea based on patient history and laboratory findings?
A: Distinguishing osmotic from secretory diarrhea requires careful consideration of both the patient's history and laboratory data. Osmotic diarrhea typically results from poorly absorbed substances in the intestinal lumen drawing water into the bowel. Ask about recent dietary changes, including sugar substitutes (e.g., sorbitol, mannitol) and excessive consumption of fruits or fruit juices. Stool osmolality will be elevated and reducing osmolar intake often resolves symptoms. Secretory diarrhea, on the other hand, is caused by active secretion of electrolytes and water into the intestinal lumen. Explore the possibility of underlying conditions like bacterial infections (e.g., cholera, C. difficile), hormonal imbalances (e.g., carcinoid syndrome, VIPoma), or bile acid malabsorption. Stool osmolality will be normal, and the diarrhea often persists even with fasting. Explore how stool electrolytes and the stool osmotic gap can aid in confirming the diagnosis and guide management strategies.
Patient presents with complaints of diarrhea, characterized by loose stools and increased frequency of bowel movements. Onset of symptoms began [Date of onset] and is associated with [Associated symptoms, e.g., abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, blood in stool]. Patient reports [Frequency and consistency of stools, e.g., three to four loose, watery bowel movements per day]. Patient denies [Pertinent negatives, e.g., recent travel, antibiotic use, known exposure to foodborne illness]. Physical examination reveals [Relevant findings, e.g., mild abdominal tenderness, normoactive bowel sounds, no signs of dehydration]. Differential diagnosis includes acute gastroenteritis, viral infection, bacterial infection, parasitic infection, food intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease. Assessment: Acute diarrhea. Plan: Stool studies ordered to rule out infectious causes. Patient advised on dietary modifications including a bland diet, increased fluid intake to prevent dehydration, and electrolyte monitoring. Antidiarrheal medication [Name of medication and dosage if prescribed] recommended. Patient education provided regarding proper hand hygiene and food safety. Follow-up scheduled in [Duration] to reassess symptoms and discuss results of stool studies. ICD-10 code: [Appropriate ICD-10 code, e.g., R19.7 for unspecified diarrhea].