Constipation ICD-10-CM codes

K59.00 is constipation unspecified and is the correct code when the provider does not describe a subtype. The specific codes are K59.01 slow transit constipation, K59.02 outlet dysfunction constipation, K59.03 drug-induced constipation, K59.04 chronic idiopathic constipation, and K59.09 other constipation. Chronic constipation without the word idiopathic is reported with K59.09 unless the provider specifies the type.

For drug-induced constipation, add an adverse effect code from T36 to T50 with a fifth or sixth character of 5 to identify the drug, for example T40.2X5A for opioid-induced constipation, with K59.03 sequenced first. Constipation that is a feature of irritable bowel syndrome is K58.1 (IBS with constipation) rather than a K59.0 code.

Fecal impaction is excluded from K59.0 and coded as K56.41. When impaction is documented as a consequence of constipation, report both K56.41 and the constipation code. Constipation that is a symptom of a documented bowel obstruction or hypothyroidism is not coded separately when it is integral to that condition.