ICD-10 Coding for Loose Bowel Movements(R19.7, K59.1, K58.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Loose Bowel Movements. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Loose Bowel Movements
Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea
Used when IBS is diagnosed with predominant diarrhea symptoms.
Infectious gastroenteritis and colitis, unspecified
Used when diarrhea is caused by an infectious agent.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| R19.7 | Diarrhea, unspecified | Use when diarrhea is present without a specific cause identified. |
|
| K59.1 | Functional diarrhea | Use for chronic diarrhea with normal diagnostic tests and no identifiable organic cause. |
|
| K58.0 | Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea | Use when IBS is diagnosed with predominant diarrhea symptoms. |
|
Clinical Decision Support
Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for loose bowel movements
Essential facts and insights about Loose Bowel Movements
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for loose bowel movements
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of ≥3 loose stools per day without identified cause
coding Criteria
- No specific infectious or functional cause identified
documentation Criteria
- Document stool frequency, type, and negative infectious studies
Applicable To
- Loose stools
- Watery stools
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Stool frequency of ≥3 loose stools per day
- Bristol Stool Chart types 5-7
- Negative stool cultures for infectious agents
Code-Specific Risks
- Misuse when a more specific cause is identified
- Incorrect use if infectious etiology is confirmed
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies stool frequency and type using the Bristol Stool Chart.
K59.1 - Functional diarrhea
Use for chronic diarrhea with normal diagnostic tests and no identifiable organic cause.
Applicable To
- Chronic diarrhea with normal diagnostic tests
Excludes
- Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (K58.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Symptoms persisting for more than 4 weeks
- Normal colonoscopy and fecal calprotectin levels
Coding Notes
Ensure chronicity and normal diagnostic results are documented.
K58.0 - Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea
Use when IBS is diagnosed with predominant diarrhea symptoms.
Applicable To
- IBS with predominant diarrhea symptoms
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Rome IV criteria for IBS
- Abdominal pain related to defecation
Coding Notes
Document IBS symptoms and Rome IV criteria.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Loose Bowel Movements to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R19.7.
Impact
Clinical: Inadequate clinical information for treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific terms like 'loose stools' with frequency and type., Document negative test results for infections.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to lower reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data for clinical research and quality measures.
Mitigation Strategy
Query provider to confirm if Rome IV criteria for IBS-D are met.
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential for incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding specificity., Data Quality: Misleading data on bowel habit changes.
Mitigation Strategy
Use R19.4 only for changes in bowel habits without meeting diarrhea criteria.
Impact
Using R19.7 when a more specific code is applicable.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough documentation of symptoms and negative test results.
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 Loose Bowel Movements, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Loose Bowel Movements
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Loose Bowel Movements. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute Diarrhea Presentation
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- Stool frequency and type
- Duration of symptoms
- Negative infectious studies
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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