Wiki DX code for "Loose Stools" ?

[Orthocoderpgu]

I have a question for all you out there in coding land. One of our docs seems to constantly diagnose someone with "loose stools". I have been using 787.99 for change in bowel habits, but I would like a second opinion and see how others might be coding this. Thank you.

 

[jdrueppel]

I also use 787.99

Julie, CPC

 

[Orthocoderpgu]

Thanks for the 2nd opinion !!

 

[dmaec]

"loose stools" is a synonym for diarrhea - I use 787.91

 

[jdrueppel]

Diarrhea is loose/watery stools occuring more than 3x within 24 hr period. In absence of that information and only loose stools indicated on record I code 787.99.

Julie, CPC

 

[Joe_coder07]

shall we code this as 787.7

 

[whaleheadking]

I have to admit, I like 787.7 best just for the documentation issue mentioned above. There is no evidence of a change in bowel habits.

 

[mbort]

I also use 787.99 Other (does not specifically state change in bowel habits, just mentioned under the code)

 

[dmaec]

Diarrhea is loose/watery stools occuring more than 3x within 24 hr period. In absence of that information and only loose stools indicated on record I code 787.99.

Julie, CPC

Julie, where does it say diarrhea is "more than 3x within a 24 hr period"?? I don't have that in my ICD-9 - it's the Ingenix 2009 expert version.

THANKS!

 

[coderchick]

From the 2009 Diagnosis Coders desk reference: 787.91 Diarrhea - loose, copious stools.

I think 787.91 is better (just my opinion)

I have a question for all you out there in coding land. One of our docs seems to constantly diagnose someone with "loose stools". I have been using 787.99 for change in bowel habits, but I would like a second opinion and see how others might be coding this. Thank you.

 

[jdrueppel]

dmaec,

It's one of those things that stuck in my head from nursing school (we're talking the 1980's - yikes). I'll have to dust off the nursing books and see if I can find the reference.

Julie, CPC

 

[Narayana]

I use 787.99,

 

[devinmajor14]

787.7 (abnormal feces) is what we use.