K59.00 Constipation, unspecified

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- **Constipation, unspecified**
- Medical term: Constipation (ICD-10-CM Code: K59.00)

#### Summary
Constipation refers to infrequent or difficult bowel movements. It is characterized by the passage of hard and dry stools, often accompanied by discomfort or a sense of incomplete evacuation.

#### Causes
- Low fiber diet
- Insufficient fluid intake
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Medications such as opioids or antacids
- Hormonal changes, particularly in women
- Neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease
- Stress or changes in routine

#### Risk Factors
- Older age
- Being female
- Having a diet low in fiber
- Physical inactivity
- Dehydration
- Use of certain medications

#### Symptoms
- Fewer than three bowel movements per week
- Straining during bowel movements
- Hard or lumpy stools
- A feeling of blockage in the rectum
- Sensation of incomplete evacuation

#### Diagnosis
- Medical history and physical examination
- Review of dietary habits and lifestyle
- Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy if structural issues are suspected
- Laboratory tests to rule out underlying medical conditions

#### Treatment Options
- **Dietary Changes:** Increasing fiber intake can help form soft, bulky stools.
- **Hydration:** Drinking adequate water to soften stools and aid bowel movement.
- **Exercise:** Regular physical activity to stimulate intestinal function.
- **Laxatives:** Over-the-counter or prescription options for short-term relief.
- **Biofeedback Therapy:** For individuals with pelvic floor dysfunction.
- **Medication:** Prescription medications for chronic cases, like lubiprostone or linaclotide.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Most cases improve with lifestyle changes and appropriate treatments.
- Chronic constipation may require long-term management.
- Regular follow-up can help monitor symptoms and adjust treatment plans.

#### Complications
- Hemorrhoids due to straining
- Anal fissures
- Rectal prolapse
- Impaction leading to severe obstruction

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Adequate hydration.
- Regular exercise.
- Establishing a consistent bathroom routine.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Severe abdominal pain
- Bloody stools
- Unintentional weight loss
- Persistent constipation despite lifestyle changes

#### Additional Resources
- [American Gastroenterological Association](https://www.gastro.org/)
- [The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases](https://www.niddk.nih.gov/)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Verify that the constipation is unspecified and not part of another condition.
- Ensure accurate coding by differentiating from other types of constipation with specified causes.
- Common coding error: Misclassifying constipation due to a known cause as unspecified.

Medical Policies and Guidelines for Constipation, unspecified

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