K5900 - Difficulty having bowel movements or infrequent bowel movements

International Classification of Diseases

Last updated: 10/3/2025

What is a ICD-10 Code?

ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) codes are used to classify and code all diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures recorded in association with hospital care. These codes provide a standardized way to track health conditions and their treatment outcomes.

Detailed Description

This code indicates that you are experiencing constipation, which means you are having difficulty passing stools or having bowel movements less frequently than normal. Constipation can involve hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass, straining during bowel movements, or having fewer than three bowel movements per week. The 'unspecified' part means that the specific cause or type of constipation hasn't been identified or documented. This is a common digestive issue that can be caused by various factors including diet, lack of physical activity, medications, or underlying medical conditions.

Additional Information

This was diagnosed during an established patient office visit. Constipation is typically manageable with lifestyle changes and is rarely serious, though persistent cases may require further evaluation to rule out underlying conditions.

Category

Digestive System Disorders

Medical Specialty

Primary Care/Gastroenterology

Expected Costs

We expect this to normally be in the range of:

$150 - $400

This is an estimate based on typical billing patterns. Your actual cost may vary depending on your insurance coverage, provider location, and specific circumstances.

What's Required Before This

  • Medical history review
  • Physical examination
  • Discussion of symptoms and bowel habits

What to Expect After

  • Dietary modifications
  • Increased fluid intake
  • Exercise recommendations
  • Possible medication if needed
  • Follow-up appointment if symptoms persist

Why Understanding This Code Matters

On Your Medical Bill

This code appears on your medical bills to identify the specific service, procedure, drug, or medical diagnosis you received. Understanding what it means helps you verify you're being charged correctly and know what to expect.

For Your Health

Knowing what this code represents helps you understand your treatment plan, ask better questions during appointments, and track your healthcare journey more effectively.

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