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ICD-10 Coding for Flatulence(R14.3)

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

Also known as:

Excessive FlatusGas

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Flatulence

R14Primary Range

Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen

Includes codes for symptoms related to the digestive system, including flatulence.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for flatulence

Essential facts and insights about Flatulence

The ICD-10 code for flatulence is R14.3, used when flatulence is the primary symptom without an underlying condition.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for flatulence

Flatulence
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Flatulence is the primary symptom with no identified underlying condition.

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed documentation of flatus frequency and characteristics.

Applicable To

  • Excessive flatus

Excludes

  • Abdominal distension (R14.0)
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (K58.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented frequency and characteristics of flatus
  • Exclusion of organic causes through diagnostic tests

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect sequencing when an underlying condition is present
  • Lack of detailed documentation on frequency and characteristics

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'excessive flatus' and excludes other causes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for general adult medical examination without abnormal findings

Z00.00
Use when flatulence is evaluated during a general exam without specific findings.

Differential Codes

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

Abdominal distension

R14.0
Use R14.0 when the primary symptom is distension rather than flatus.

Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea

K58.0
Use K58.0 when IBS is confirmed as the primary condition.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Flatulence to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R14.3.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use detailed templates, Regular training on documentation standards

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Sequence the underlying condition first, followed by R14.3.

Impact

Lack of detailed symptom documentation can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure comprehensive documentation of symptom characteristics.

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

Documentation Templates for Flatulence

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

Chronic Flatulence Evaluation

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Symptom frequency
  • Relation to meals
  • Exclusion of other conditions

Example Documentation

[Subjective] Reports 8-10 malodorous flatus episodes daily x 6 weeks, worsening after dairy consumption. [Objective] Abd: Soft, non-tender, no distension. [Assessment] R14.3 - Flatulence. [Plan] 1. Lactose elimination diet. 2. Repeat breath test in 6 weeks.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Gas present
Good Documentation Example
6-8 odorless flatus episodes/day, no temporal relationship to meals
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on frequency and characteristics, aiding in accurate coding.

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

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