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ICD-10 Coding for Bloating(R14.0)

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

Also known as:

Abdominal distensionGaseous distensionTympanites

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Bloating

R10-R19Primary Range

Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen

This range includes codes for symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating, which are relevant for diagnosing and coding abdominal distension.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for bloating

Essential facts and insights about Bloating

The ICD-10 code for bloating is R14.0, which includes abdominal distension and gaseous distension.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for bloating

Abdominal distension [gaseous]
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient presents with bloating without a confirmed underlying condition.

coding Criteria

  • R14.0 should not be used as a primary code if an underlying condition is identified.

Applicable To

  • Bloating
  • Tympanites

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Abdominal X-ray showing dilated bowel loops
  • Negative lactulose breath test for SIBO
  • Absence of ascites on ultrasound

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using R14.0 as a primary code when an underlying condition is identified.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the nature of the distension and any associated symptoms.

Ancillary Codes

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

Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea

K58.0
Use as a primary code when IBS is diagnosed, with R14.0 as a secondary code for associated bloating.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified abdominal pain

R10.9
Use R10.9 when abdominal pain is present without specific characteristics of gaseous distension.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Bloating to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R14.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on detailed documentation practices., Use templates to guide symptom documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of patient conditions.

Mitigation Strategy

Sequence the underlying condition first, followed by R14.0.

Impact

Discrepancies between different parts of the medical record.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure consistent documentation across all records.

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 Bloating, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Bloating

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Bloating. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Patient with bloating and no identified underlying condition

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Symptom description
  • Physical exam findings
  • Imaging results

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient complains of bloating.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports gaseous abdominal distension worsening after meals, accompanied by audible bowel sounds and relief with flatus.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the symptom, its triggers, and associated findings.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Bloating? Ask your questions below.

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