ICD-10 Guide

R14.3

Flatulence

BILLABLE STATUSYes

IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015

LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R14.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of flatulence.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Flatulence, characterized by the accumulation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract, is a common symptom that can lead to discomfort and social embarrassment. It is often accompanied by bloating, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits. The gas produced can result from the digestion of certain foods, swallowing air, or the fermentation of undigested food by gut bacteria. Common dietary triggers include beans, lentils, carbonated beverages, and certain vegetables like broccoli and cabbage. While flatulence is typically benign, excessive or painful flatulence may indicate underlying gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), lactose intolerance, or malabsorption syndromes. A thorough clinical evaluation, including dietary history and symptom assessment, is essential for determining the cause of excessive flatulence. Laboratory tests may include stool studies or breath tests to assess for malabsorption or bacterial overgrowth. Understanding the clinical context of flatulence is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Low

Low Complexity

Complexity Factors

Commonly encountered symptom in clinical practice
Clear definition and understanding of the symptom
Limited need for extensive diagnostic testing
Straightforward coding guidelines

Audit Risk Factors

Inadequate documentation of symptom severity
Failure to link flatulence to a specific diagnosis
Misuse of flatulence code in the absence of clinical evaluation
Inconsistent reporting of associated symptoms

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history including dietary habits, symptom duration, and associated gastrointestinal symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic flatulence and abdominal discomfort, requiring dietary modification and possible referral for further testing.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of comorbid conditions such as IBS or inflammatory bowel disease that may contribute to symptoms.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation should include a focused abdominal exam and assessment of any acute distress or complications.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute abdominal pain and excessive flatulence, necessitating a differential diagnosis for acute abdomen.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment for potential surgical causes of abdominal pain that may present with flatulence.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R14.3 When

10 guidelines specify that R14
3 should be used when flatulence is the primary symptom and not attributed to a more specific gastrointestinal diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R14.3 When

No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient presents for evaluation of flatulence and associated symptoms.

Documentation Requirements

Document history, examination findings, and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine may require more detailed dietary assessments.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like flatulence, improving the ability to capture the clinical picture and associated conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like flatulence, improving the ability to capture the clinical picture and associated conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like flatulence, improving the ability to capture the clinical picture and associated conditions.

Resources

Clinical References

•
ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

•
ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use R14.3?

Use R14.3 when flatulence is the primary symptom being evaluated and there is no more specific diagnosis that explains the symptom.

ICD-10 R14.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of flatulence.