Pediatric Coding Alert
Keep K59.xx in Mind As Your Go-to Diagnosis for Constipation Under ICD-10
Codes in this category fortunately feature a one-to-one crosswalk.
Constipation can be very common in pediatric practices, particularly in children whose diets do not include enough fiber or those patients who eat an abundance of dairy. In some cases, the child simply will not have a bowel movement in days, but in other situations, the child may experience discomfort or pain when passing hard stool.
Although your go-to code has probably been 564.00 (Constipation, unspecified) for these patients, that will change under ICD-10. Fortunately, however, the most common constipation codes will translate easily to the new coding system that you’ll face on Oct. 1. Consider the following as your crosswalk:
Documentation Tips
Pediatricians should already be documenting any specific constipation disorders in patients’ charts (such as slow transit constipation), so your documentation should remain equally as specific under ICD-10 as it has been under ICD-9.
Coder Tips
The biggest adjustment for coders will be that you’ll be replacing 564.00 on your superbills with the new code of K59.00.
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Keep K59.xx in Mind As Your Go-to Diagnosis for Constipation Under ICD-10
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