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  6. 2024 ICD-10-CM Code K59.0
Version 2024
Non-Billable Code

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K59.0

Constipation

ICD-10-CM Code:
K59.0
ICD-10 Code for:
Constipation
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Diseases of the digestive system
    (K00–K95)
    • Other diseases of intestines
      (K55-K64)
      • Other functional intestinal disorders
        (K59)

K59.0 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of constipation. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Constipation

Non-specific codes like K59.0 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for constipation:

  • Use K59.00 for Constipation, unspecified - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K59.01 for Slow transit constipation - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K59.02 for Outlet dysfunction constipation - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K59.03 for Drug induced constipation - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K59.04 for Chronic idiopathic constipation - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use K59.09 for Other constipation - BILLABLE CODE

Clinical Information

  • Constipation

    infrequent or difficult evacuation of feces. these symptoms are associated with a variety of causes, including low dietary fiber intake, emotional or nervous disturbances, systemic and structural disorders, drug-induced aggravation, and infections.

  • Opioid-Induced Constipation

    constipation associated with the use of opioids.

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The following annotation back-references are applicable to this diagnosis code. The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10-CM codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more.


Type 1 Excludes

Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.

Type 2 Excludes

Type 2 Excludes
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
  • incomplete defecation R15.0

Patient Education


Constipation

Constipation means that a person has three or fewer bowel movements in a week. The stool can be hard and dry. Sometimes it is painful to pass. At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. In most cases, it lasts a short time and is not serious.

There are many things you can do to prevent constipation. They include

  • Eating more fruits, vegetables and grains, which are high in fiber
  • Drinking plenty of water and other liquids
  • Getting enough exercise
  • Taking time to have a bowel movement when you need to
  • Using laxatives only if your doctor says you should
  • Asking your doctor if medicines you take may cause constipation

It's not important that you have a bowel movement every day. If your bowel habits change, however, check with your doctor.

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Constipation

Describes long-term and short-term constipation, its complications, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.