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ICD-10 Coding for Functional Diarrhea(K59.1)

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

Also known as:

Chronic DiarrheaNon-organic Diarrhea

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Functional Diarrhea

K59-K59.9Primary Range

Other functional intestinal disorders

This range includes functional diarrhea, which is the primary condition of interest.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for functional diarrhea

Essential facts and insights about Functional Diarrhea

The ICD-10 code for functional diarrhea is K59.1, used for chronic diarrhea without an identifiable organic cause, meeting Rome IV criteria.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for functional diarrhea

Functional diarrhea
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Chronic diarrhea for at least 3 months with negative workup

documentation Criteria

  • Rome IV criteria explicitly documented

Applicable To

  • Chronic diarrhea without identifiable cause

Excludes

  • Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (K58.0)
  • Psychogenic diarrhea (F45.8)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Chronic diarrhea for at least 3 months
  • Negative fecal calprotectin
  • Negative celiac serology
  • Meets Rome IV criteria

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using R19.7 when K59.1 is appropriate

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'functional diarrhea' and excludes other causes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dehydration

E86.0
Use when dehydration is present as a result of diarrhea.

Differential Codes

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

Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea

K58.0
Presence of abdominal pain relieved by defecation.

Psychogenic diarrhea

F45.8
Diarrhea linked to psychological factors such as stress.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Functional Diarrhea to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K59.1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on documentation requirements, Use templates that prompt for necessary details

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'functional diarrhea' and meets Rome IV criteria.

Impact

Lack of specific criteria documentation can lead to audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates and educate providers.

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

Documentation Templates for Functional Diarrhea

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

Chronic diarrhea with negative workup

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Duration of symptoms
  • Negative fecal calprotectin
  • Negative celiac serology
  • Rome IV criteria

Example Documentation

68F with chronic functional diarrhea x8 months: 5-6 non-bloody watery stools/day, no nocturnal symptoms, negative fecal calprotectin 45 μg/g, celiac serology, TSH, meets Rome IV criteria, no red flags.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has diarrhea. Recommend hydration.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has chronic functional diarrhea x8 months, meets Rome IV criteria, negative fecal calprotectin.
Explanation
The good example includes specific criteria and negative test results, providing a clear basis for the diagnosis.

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

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