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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK58.9

K58.9

Billable

Irritable bowel syndrome, unspecified

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/06/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 K58.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by a combination of symptoms that can include abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits, such as diarrhea and constipation. The exact etiology of IBS remains unclear, but it is believed to involve a complex interplay of gut-brain interactions, altered gut motility, visceral hypersensitivity, and psychosocial factors. The anatomy involved primarily includes the large intestine (colon) and the small intestine, where abnormal contractions can lead to the hallmark symptoms of IBS. Disease progression varies among individuals, with some experiencing chronic symptoms while others may have intermittent episodes. Diagnostic considerations for K58.9 include ruling out other gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease, often through a combination of patient history, symptom assessment, and diagnostic testing like stool studies or colonoscopy. The Rome IV criteria are commonly used to aid in the diagnosis of IBS, emphasizing the importance of symptom patterns over a specified duration.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: IBS can mimic other gastrointestinal disorders, requiring careful differential diagnosis.
  • Treatment complexity: Management often involves dietary changes, medications, and psychological support, which can vary widely among patients.
  • Documentation requirements: Accurate documentation of symptoms, duration, and impact on daily life is crucial for proper coding.
  • Coding specificity: While K58.9 is a broad code, more specific codes exist for IBS with predominant diarrhea (K58.0) or constipation (K58.1).

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misapplication of more specific IBS codes when symptoms are not clearly defined.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete patient histories or symptom descriptions can lead to coding inaccuracies.
  • Billing challenges: Insufficient documentation may result in claim denials or delays in reimbursement.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary medical specialty: Gastroenterology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Secondary specialty: Primary care, Internal medicine

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Irritable bowel syndrome significantly affects population health, with an estimated prevalence of 10-15% in the general population. It can lead to decreased quality of life, increased healthcare utilization, and substantial economic burden due to lost productivity. Quality measures related to IBS management focus on symptom relief and patient satisfaction, highlighting the importance of effective treatment strategies and patient education in improving health outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Irritable bowel syndrome significantly affects population health, with an estimated prevalence of 10-15% in the general population. It can lead to decreased quality of life, increased healthcare utilization, and substantial economic burden due to lost productivity. Quality measures related to IBS management focus on symptom relief and patient satisfaction, highlighting the importance of effective treatment strategies and patient education in improving health outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

impact on their daily life. Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the diagnosis is well-supported by clinical evidence. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for treatments. Best practices include maintaining clear communication with patients about their symptoms and treatment plans, as well as regular updates to documentation to reflect any changes in the patient's condition.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for K00-K99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for K00-K99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific conditions are covered by K58.9?

K58.9 covers irritable bowel syndrome that does not fit into the more specific categories of IBS with diarrhea or constipation. It encompasses a range of symptoms without a definitive subtype, making it important for cases where the presentation is unclear.

When should K58.9 be used instead of related codes?

K58.9 should be used when the patient's symptoms do not clearly align with IBS subtypes (K58.0 or K58.1). It is appropriate when the diagnosis of IBS is confirmed, but the specific type of IBS is not determined or documented.

What documentation supports K58.9?

Documentation should include a detailed patient history, symptom descriptions, duration of symptoms, and any diagnostic tests performed to rule out other conditions. The use of the Rome IV criteria can also support the diagnosis.