ICD-10 Codes for Diarrhea

Did you know that the primary ICD 10 code for diarrhea is R19? This blog will uncover all such codes associated with diarrhea. We will also be highlighting some key factors for selecting specific diarrhea codes.

You can also find some common diarrhea coding errors and how to avoid them down below. Also, optimize your medical coding with our top-tier coding expertise. Stay ahead with the latest ICD-10 updates.

List of ICD-10 Codes for Diarrhea

The primary code for diarrhea is R19. It is associated with other symptoms and signs involving the digestive tract and abdomen. It is a non-billable code and has nine categories. Let’s look at those categories in detail:

• ICD 10 Code R19.0

This code is associated with intra-abdominal and pelvic swelling, mass, and lump. It is non-billable as it has subtypes with more details about the diagnosis. Here is a closer look at those subtypes:

ICD-10 Code	Disease-Associated	Billable / Non-Billable	Converted ICD-9-CM Code
R19.00	Intra-abdominal and pelvic swelling, mass and lump, unspecified site	Billable	789.30
R19.01	Right upper quadrant abdominal swelling, mass and lump	Billable	789.31
R19.02	Left upper quadrant abdominal swelling, mass and lump	Billable	789.32
R19.03	Right lower quadrant abdominal swelling, mass and lump	Billable	789.33
R19.04	Left lower quadrant abdominal swelling, mass and lump	Billable	789.34
R19.05	Periumbilic swelling, mass or lump	Billable	789.35
R19.06	Epigastric swelling, mass or lump	Billable	789.36
R19.07	Generalized intra-abdominal and pelvic swelling, mass and lump	Billable	789.37
R19.09	Other intra-abdominal and pelvic swelling, mass and lump	Billable	789.39

• ICD 10 Code R19.1

This code is associated with abnormal bowel sounds. It is non-billable as it has subtypes with more details about the diagnosis. Here is a closer look at those subtypes:

ICD-10 Code	Disease-Associated	Billable / Non-Billable	Converted ICD-9-CM Code
R19.11	Absent bowel sounds	Billable	787.5
R19.12	Hyperactive bowel sounds	Billable	787.5
R19.15	Other abnormal bowel sounds	Billable	787.5

• ICD 10 Code R19.2

This code is associated with visible peristalsis. It is a billable code and the ICD-9-CM code for this diagnosis is 787.4.

• ICD 10 Code R19.3

This code is associated with abdominal rigidity. It is non-billable as it has subtypes with more details about the diagnosis. Here is a closer look at those subtypes:

ICD-10 Code	Disease-Associated	Billable/Non-Billable	Converted ICD-9-CM Code
R19.30	Abdominal rigidity, unspecified site	Billable	789.40
R19.31	Right upper quadrant abdominal rigidity	Billable	789.41
R19.32	Left upper quadrant abdominal rigidity	Billable	789.42
R19.33	Right lower quadrant abdominal rigidity	Billable	789.43
R19.34	Left lower quadrant abdominal rigidity	Billable	789.44
R19.35	Periumbilic abdominal rigidity	Billable	789.45
R19.36	Epigastric abdominal rigidity	Billable	789.46
R19.37	Generalized abdominal rigidity	Billable	789.47

• ICD 10 Code R19.4

This code is associated with change in bowel habits. It is a billable code and the ICD-9-CM code for this diagnosis is 787.199.

• ICD 10 Code R19.5

This code is associated with other fecal abnormalities. It is a billable code and the ICD-9-CM code for this diagnosis is 787.7.

• ICD 10 Code R19.6

This code is associated with halitosis. It is a billable code and the ICD-9-CM code for this diagnosis is 784.99.

• ICD 10 Code R19.7

This code is associated with an unspecified diarrhea. It is a billable code and the ICD-9-CM code for this diagnosis is 787.91.

• ICD 10 Code R19.8

This code is associated with other specified symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen. It is a billable code used when none of the above codes can be assigned. The ICD-9-CM code for this diagnosis is 787.99.

Key Factors for Diarrhea Code Selection

There are some key factors that you should keep in mind while selecting ICD 10 codes for diagnoses related to diarrhea. Let’s look at the main ones:

• Patient Symptoms: Document the frequency, consistency, and severity of symptoms. This way, you can ensure that you select the correct code.
• Patient History: Consider previous diagnoses, underlying conditions, and medications as well. These are also important factors that can determine your choice of ICD 10 codes.
• Diagnostic Tests: Use results from lab tests, imaging studies, or other diagnostics. Diagnostic tests add another layer of accuracy to code selection.
• Specificity: Choose a code that precisely reflects your patient’s condition. This way, you can avoid overly broad or vague options that do not apply.
• Documentation: Ensure clear and concise documentation of your patient’s condition. Such documents can also support and justify selected ICD 10 codes.

Common Diarrhea Coding Errors and How to Avoid Them

Accurate ICD-10 coding for diarrhea is essential for proper reimbursement. However, there are some coding errors that can land you in a lot of complications. Here’s a detailed explanation of common diarrhea coding errors and how you can avoid them:

• Incorrect Code Assignment

One of the most frequent coding errors is assigning an unspecified code when a specific one is available. For example, you may use the code for “diarrhea, unspecified” (R19.7) even with enough details to assign a specific code. This mistake often happens when medical coders overlook certain documentation.

Therefore, you should always ensure that the most specific ICD 10 diarrhea code is chosen. This requires thorough documentation with details about the type and cause as well. Training and continuous education can help you stay informed about specific codes.

• Coding Symptoms Instead of Diagnosis

Another common error is coding based on symptoms instead of a confirmed diagnosis. For instance, you may assign a code for abdominal pain (R10.9) or nausea (R11). By doing this, you may not look at the underlying condition causing diarrhea. It can be an irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (K58.0).

You should be able to distinguish between symptoms and diagnoses. Whenever possible, you should code the definitive diagnosis instead of presenting symptoms. A diagnosis can be unclear or not documented. In this case, you must get clarity on a day-to-day basis.

• Missing or Incomplete Documentation

Insufficient or unclear documentation is another significant problem with ICD 10 coding. Some key details about the patient’s condition can be missing. Those details may comprise the frequency, duration, or possible cause of diarrhea. In such cases, you may have to use unspecified codes.

As a result, you might end up with reimbursement issues and inaccurate patient records. That is why clear and complete documentation is important. You should document all relevant aspects of your patient’s condition. Those aspects typically include symptoms, duration, potential causes, and any diagnostic tests performed.

The Bottom Line

This blog covered all the codes associated with diarrhea. The primary code identified is R19 that can be applied to other symptoms and signs involving the digestive tract and abdomen. We also outlined some key factors for diarrhea code selection.

Apart from that, the blog discussed common diarrhea coding errors and how to avoid them. Contact Health Quest Billing and get all your ICD 10 codes assigned by top medical coders.