Do you code constipation cases every day? Are you confused about which ICD-10 code to use? Constipation affects approximately 16% of adults in the United States. Studies show constipation leads to over 2.5 million doctor visits annually. Proper ICD 10 constipation coding ensures accurate reimbursement for treatment. Wrong codes lead to claim denials and payment delays.
The ICD 10 code for constipation varies by type and cause. K59.00 is the code for unspecified constipation cases. Specific codes exist for different constipation types and causes. Medicare reviews constipation claims closely for proper coding accuracy. Documentation must support the specific code used for each case. Using the right code prevents audits and claim rejections.
This guide covers all constipation ICD 10 codes clearly. We show when to use each code properly. You will learn the documentation requirements for constipation coding. Tables make finding the right code easy and fast. Proper coding improves practice revenue and reduces claim denials. Medical coders need this information for accurate billing daily.
Common Constipation ICD 10 Codes
Constipation has multiple ICD 10 codes available. Each code describes a different type or cause.
Primary Constipation Codes Table
| ICD 10 Code | Description | Common Usage |
| K59.00 | Constipation, unspecified | No specific type documented |
| K59.01 | Slow transit constipation | Delayed colonic transit |
| K59.02 | Outlet dysfunction constipation | Pelvic floor dysfunction |
| K59.03 | Drug-induced constipation | Medication side effect |
| K59.04 | Chronic idiopathic constipation | Long-term, unknown cause |
| K59.09 | Other constipation | Not fitting other categories |
Functional vs Organic Constipation
Functional constipation has no structural cause identified. Organic constipation results from disease or obstruction. IBS with constipation uses code K58.1 instead. Neurogenic bowel uses a different code series entirely. Differentiate between functional and organic causes clearly.
Age-Specific Considerations
Infant constipation may need a different code selection. Pediatric cases require careful documentation of symptoms. Geriatric constipation is more common in the elderly. Pregnancy-related constipation needs specific documentation, too. Age affects normal bowel movement frequency expectations.
When to Use the K59.00 Code
K59.00 is the unspecified constipation code. Use this when a specific type is not documented.
K59.00 Usage Guidelines
| Scenario | Use K59.00? | Reason |
| No specific type documented | Yes | Unspecified code appropriate |
| Patient reports “constipation” only | Yes | Insufficient detail for specific code |
| Initial visit before workup | Yes | Type not yet determined |
| Acute constipation episode | Yes | Short-term, cause unknown |
Documentation Requirements for K59.00
Document the chief complaint of constipation clearly. Include bowel movement frequency in the patient history. Note stool consistency using the Bristol Stool Scale. Record duration of constipation symptoms reported. Document associated symptoms like abdominal pain or bloating.
Common K59.00 Coding Mistakes
Use K59.00 when a specific type is documented. Applying unspecified code after the cause determined clearly. Not updating code after additional testing is completed. Failing to document the reason for the unspecified code. Missing supporting documentation in the medical record completely.
Specific Constipation ICD 10 Codes
Specific codes provide more detail than K59.00. Use these when the type or cause is known. Better specificity improves coding accuracy and payment.
K59.01 – Slow Transit Constipation
This code applies to delayed colonic transit cases. Stool moves too slowly through the colon. Often diagnosed with colonic transit study testing. Document that the transit study confirmed slow movement. Note the symptoms of infrequent bowel movements present. Common in patients with chronic constipation complaints.
K59.02 – Outlet Dysfunction Constipation
Outlet dysfunction involves pelvic floor muscle problems. The patient cannot effectively evacuate stool from the rectum. Often requires specialized testing for diagnosis confirmation. Document anorectal manometry or defecography results clearly. Note symptoms of straining and incomplete evacuation.
K59.03 – Drug-Induced Constipation
| Drug Class | Common Examples | Documentation Needs |
| Opioids | Morphine, Oxycodone | List specific medication |
| Anticholinergics | Antihistamines, Antidepressants | Document dosage |
| Antacids | Aluminum-based products | Note the duration of use |
| Iron supplements | Ferrous sulfate | Include reason for use |
K59.04 – Chronic Idiopathic Constipation
Chronic means symptoms lasting over 3 months. Idiopathic indicates that no identifiable cause has been found currently. Requires documentation of symptom duration clearly stated. Note that the diagnostic workup was negative for causes. Document the frequency of bowel movements per week.
K59.09 – Other Constipation
This code covers constipation not elsewhere classified. Use when constipation does not fit other categories. Includes atypical constipation presentations or mixed types. Apply for constipation with unique characteristics documented. Document why other specific codes do not apply.
Related ICD 10 Codes
Other codes may apply to constipation cases. Understand related codes for proper billing. Some conditions require multiple code uses.
IBS with Constipation
| Code | Condition | Key Difference |
| K58.1 | IBS with constipation | Meets Rome criteria for IBS |
| K59.00 | Constipation alone | No IBS diagnosis present |
Fecal Impaction
Fecal impaction uses code K56.41 instead. This represents severe constipation with a blockage present. Requires manual disimpaction or enema treatment, usually. Document physical exam findings of impaction clearly. Note if the digital rectal exam confirms impaction.
Neurogenic Bowel
Neurogenic bowel dysfunction uses a different code series. Common in spinal cord injury or neurological disease. Document the underlying neurological condition causing constipation clearly. Note the relationship between the neurological condition and symptoms. May require multiple codes for a complete picture.
Conclusion
Constipation ICD 10 coding requires careful documentation review. K59.00 is the unspecified constipation code used most. Specific codes provide better documentation and reimbursement accuracy. Proper documentation supports code selection and prevents denials. Update codes as diagnostic information becomes available.
FAQs
What is the ICD 10 code for constipation?
K59.00 is the most common code for unspecified constipation. This code is used when the specific type is not documented. If you know the cause or type, use a more specific code instead.
When should I use K59.00?
Use K59.00 when the specific type or cause is not documented in the medical record. This code applies to initial visits before the full workup is completed.
Is chronic constipation coded differently?
Yes, chronic constipation uses K59.04 for chronic idiopathic constipation. This code requires documentation that symptoms lasted over 3 months.
How is drug-induced constipation coded?
Use K59.03 for drug-induced constipation with clear documentation of the causative medication. List the specific drug name and dosage in the medical record.
Can I code constipation with IBS?
Use K58.1 for IBS with constipation instead of the K59 series codes. This code requires that the patient meets Rome IV diagnostic criteria.
