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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR19.12

R19.12

Hyperactive bowel sounds

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R19.12 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of hyperactive bowel sounds.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Hyperactive bowel sounds refer to an increased frequency of intestinal sounds that can be heard during auscultation. These sounds are typically indicative of increased gastrointestinal activity, which may occur in various clinical scenarios. Commonly, hyperactive bowel sounds are associated with conditions such as gastroenteritis, bowel obstruction, or after surgical procedures involving the gastrointestinal tract. Patients may present with symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramping, or bloating. The presence of hyperactive bowel sounds can be a sign of underlying pathology, and it is essential for healthcare providers to assess the patient's overall clinical picture, including history and physical examination findings. In some cases, hyperactive bowel sounds may be transient and resolve with conservative management, while in others, they may indicate a need for further diagnostic evaluation, such as imaging studies or laboratory tests to rule out serious conditions. Accurate documentation of the presence and characteristics of bowel sounds is crucial for appropriate coding and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and underlying causes
  • Need for comprehensive patient history and physical examination
  • Potential overlap with other gastrointestinal symptoms
  • Documentation requirements for specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to link symptoms to a definitive diagnosis
  • Misinterpretation of bowel sound characteristics
  • Inconsistent coding practices across providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of bowel sounds, associated symptoms, and any relevant history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with diarrhea, abdominal pain, or post-operative evaluations.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of differential diagnoses and the need for further diagnostic testing.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation must include a thorough assessment of abdominal findings and patient history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute abdomen presentations, suspected bowel obstruction, or gastroenteritis cases.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and documentation are critical in emergency settings to guide immediate management.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R19.12 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used in conjunction with a thorough clinical evaluation and documentation of the patient's symptoms and any related diagnoses

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R19.12 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient presents with hyperactive bowel sounds and associated gastrointestinal symptoms.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's history, examination findings, and any diagnostic tests performed.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine and gastroenterology may require more detailed documentation.

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 hyperactive bowel sounds, improving the granularity of data for clinical analysis and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like hyperactive bowel sounds, improving the granularity of data for clinical analysis and reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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

What are hyperactive bowel sounds?

Hyperactive bowel sounds are increased intestinal sounds heard during auscultation, often indicating increased gastrointestinal activity due to various conditions.

When should R19.12 be used?

R19.12 should be used when hyperactive bowel sounds are documented as a symptom, particularly when associated with gastrointestinal complaints.