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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK59.39

K59.39

Billable

Other megacolon

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K59.39 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other megacolon.

Key Diagnostic Point:

K59.39 refers to 'Other megacolon,' a condition characterized by abnormal dilation of the colon, which can lead to severe constipation and other gastrointestinal complications. The anatomy involved includes the large intestine, particularly the colon, which may become distended due to various underlying causes such as congenital abnormalities, neurological disorders, or chronic constipation. Clinical presentation often includes symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and infrequent bowel movements. Disease progression can lead to significant complications, including fecal impaction, bowel obstruction, or perforation if left untreated. Diagnostic considerations typically involve imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans to assess colonic dilation and evaluate for potential causes. A thorough patient history and physical examination are essential to differentiate K59.39 from other forms of megacolon, such as Hirschsprung's disease or toxic megacolon, which have distinct etiologies and management strategies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity
  • Treatment complexity
  • Documentation requirements
  • Coding specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors include misclassifying megacolon types.
  • Documentation gaps may arise if the underlying cause is not clearly stated.
  • Billing challenges can occur if the condition is not well-supported by clinical evidence.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

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

Colorectal Surgery

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

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

K59.39 has significant clinical implications as untreated megacolon can lead to severe complications, impacting patient quality of life and increasing healthcare utilization. Understanding the epidemiology of megacolon, including its prevalence in certain populations, is crucial for developing effective management strategies and quality measures aimed at reducing morbidity associated with this condition.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

K59.39 has significant clinical implications as untreated megacolon can lead to severe complications, impacting patient quality of life and increasing healthcare utilization. Understanding the epidemiology of megacolon, including its prevalence in certain populations, is crucial for developing effective management strategies and quality measures aimed at reducing morbidity associated with this condition.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the medical necessity for treatment is well-documented. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate the severity of the condition. Coding best practices involve using the most specific code available and ensuring that all relevant clinical information is included in the patient's medical record.

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 K59.39?

K59.39 encompasses various forms of megacolon not classified elsewhere, including idiopathic megacolon and those secondary to other diseases. It is essential to document the underlying cause to ensure accurate coding.

When should K59.39 be used instead of related codes?

K59.39 should be used when the megacolon is not due to known conditions like Hirschsprung's disease or toxic megacolon, and when the specific etiology is not classified under other codes.

What documentation supports K59.39?

Documentation should include a detailed patient history, physical examination findings, imaging results, and any relevant laboratory tests that support the diagnosis of megacolon.