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ICD-10 Coding for Drug-Induced Constipation(K59.03)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Drug-Induced Constipation. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Medication-Induced ConstipationPharmacological Constipation

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Drug-Induced Constipation

K59.0-K59.09Primary Range

Functional intestinal disorders

This range includes codes for constipation, with K59.03 specifically for drug-induced constipation.

Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of drugs, medicaments and biological substances

These codes are used to specify the adverse effects of drugs causing constipation.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for drug-induced constipation

Essential facts and insights about Drug-Induced Constipation

The ICD-10 code for drug-induced constipation is K59.03, used when constipation is linked to medication use.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for drug induced constipation

Drug-induced constipation
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Documented link between drug use and constipation onset

coding Criteria

  • Use K59.03 when drug-induced nature is confirmed

Applicable To

  • Opioid-induced constipation
  • Constipation due to medication

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Temporal relationship between drug initiation and constipation onset
  • Documentation of the causative drug
  • Exclusion of other causes of constipation

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using unspecified constipation codes when drug-induced is documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the drug and confirms the adverse effect relationship.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Adverse effect of other opioids

T40.2X5A
Use when opioids are the causative drug for constipation.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Constipation, unspecified

K59.00
Use K59.00 when the cause of constipation is not specified or known.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Drug-Induced Constipation to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K59.03.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the drug name and its effects, Use templates to ensure completeness

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement if unspecified codes are used., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use K59.03 when documentation supports drug-induced constipation.

Impact

Failure to document the drug causing constipation can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all clinical notes specify the drug and its adverse effects.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Drug-Induced Constipation, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Drug-Induced Constipation

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Drug-Induced Constipation. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Opioid-induced constipation

Specialty: Pain Management

Required Elements

  • Causative drug
  • Onset of symptoms
  • Failed treatments
  • Exclusion of other causes

Example Documentation

Patient reports constipation after starting oxycodone. Symptoms began 5 days post-initiation. Failed senna and docusate. No other causes identified.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has constipation.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has opioid-induced constipation after starting oxycodone 5 days ago.
Explanation
The good example specifies the drug and temporal relationship, which is necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Drug-Induced Constipation? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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