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ICD-10 Coding for Heme Positive Stool(R19.5, K92.1)

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

Also known as:

Occult Blood in StoolPositive Fecal Occult Blood TestPositive FIT

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Heme Positive Stool

Other diseases of the digestive system

Includes conditions related to gastrointestinal bleeding.

R19.5Primary Range

Other fecal abnormalities

Used for abnormal findings in stool tests without visible blood.

Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon

Used for colorectal cancer screening scenarios.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R19.5Other fecal abnormalitiesUse when a stool test is positive for blood but no visible blood is present.
  • Positive FOBT or FIT result
  • No visible blood in stool
K92.1MelenaUse when melena is present, indicating possible upper GI bleeding.
  • Black, tarry stools observed
  • Upper GI bleed confirmed

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for heme positive stool

Essential facts and insights about Heme Positive Stool

The ICD-10 code for heme positive stool is R19.5, used for abnormal findings in stool tests without visible blood.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for heme positive stool

Other fecal abnormalities
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Positive stool test without visible blood

documentation Criteria

  • Documented positive FOBT or FIT result

Applicable To

  • Positive fecal occult blood test
  • Positive FIT

Excludes

  • Visible blood in stool
  • Melena

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive FOBT or FIT result
  • No visible blood in stool

Code-Specific Risks

  • Should not be used as a primary code if visible blood is present.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the absence of visible blood.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon

Z12.11
Use in conjunction with R19.5 for screening scenarios.

Differential Codes

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

Melena

K92.1
Use K92.1 when black, tarry stools are present indicating upper GI bleeding.

Other fecal abnormalities

R19.5
Use R19.5 for positive stool tests without visible blood.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Heme Positive Stool to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R19.5.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to incorrect diagnosis coding., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify test type and result, Include stool characteristics

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use K92.1 for melena cases.

Impact

Incorrect coding of screening as diagnostic can lead to audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure clear documentation of screening intent.

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 Heme Positive Stool, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Heme Positive Stool

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

Routine screening with positive FIT

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Patient demographics
  • Screening intent
  • Test results
  • Follow-up plan

Example Documentation

Patient is a 60-year-old male undergoing routine CRC screening. FIT returned positive. No visible blood in stool. Plan for colonoscopy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has blood in stool.
Good Documentation Example
Patient's FIT result is positive, no visible blood observed.
Explanation
The good example specifies the test type and result, providing clarity.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Heme Positive Stool? Ask your questions below.

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