Gastroenterology Coding Alert
Same-Function Codes For Constipation Extend To ICD-10
New code K59.0 will feature four more subclassifications.
Constipation (564.0) refers to the condition in which bowel movements are infrequent or incomplete. When a patient suffers from constipation, he usually experiences a decrease in normal frequency of defecation accompanied by difficult or incomplete passage of stool and/or passage of excessively hard, dry stool.
ICD-10 difference: When ICD-9-CM shifts to ICD-10-CM in Oct. 1, 2013, code 564.0 will become K59.0 (Constipation). You will treat your ICD-10 claims for this diagnosis the same way as you do under ICD-9-CM.
Documentation: Take note of the four codes that will list under K59.0, and describe the condition in greater detail, including K59.00 (Constipation, unspecified), K59.01 (Slow transit constipation), K59.02 (Outlet dysfunction constipation), K59.09 (Other constipation).
Coding tips: Since constipation is often a symptom of another disease state, you should check your physician's notes for more details of the patient's condition before you report 564.0x. Underlying conditions of constipation include inflammation of the bowel (564.1, Irritable bowel syndrome), enlarged toxic colon (751.3, Hirschsprung's disease and other congenital functional disorders of colon), and low thyroid function (244, Acquired hypothyroidism).
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