Diseases of the Digestive System
ICD-10 Code: K59.00
Constipation, Unspecified
Difficult or infrequent bowel movements, cause not specified.
Clinical Information
Difficult or infrequent bowel movements, cause not specified. Common in US healthcare settings with specific coding requirements per ICD-10-CM guidelines.
Coding Guidelines
- 1Use K59.00 when clinical documentation supports this diagnosis
- 2Verify specificity requirements per ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines
- 3Code to highest level of specificity documented
- 4Consider associated conditions and combination coding rules
Common Uses
- Primary diagnosis in ambulatory settings
- Secondary diagnosis in inpatient settings
- ED/urgent care encounters
- Follow-up and monitoring visits
Related ICD-10 Codes
K59.XRelated code in same category
See ICD-10-CM manualFor complete related code list
Documentation Requirements
- Physician documentation must clearly state diagnosis
- Include severity, laterality, and specificity when applicable
- Document underlying cause if known
- Note acute vs. chronic where relevant
Real-World Coding Examples
Patient presents with constipation, unspecified. Clinical findings support K59.00 diagnosis.
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