K591 - Ongoing diarrhea without an identifiable medical cause
International Classification of Diseases
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
Functional diarrhea is a condition where you experience frequent loose or watery bowel movements (at least 3 times per day) for an extended period, but medical tests cannot find a specific disease or infection causing it. Unlike other digestive conditions, there's no inflammation, infection, or structural problem in your intestines. The diarrhea occurs due to how your digestive system functions rather than from a specific illness. This condition can be chronic (long-lasting) and may be related to factors like stress, diet, or how your intestines process food and fluids. It's diagnosed when other causes have been ruled out through appropriate testing.
Additional Information
This diagnosis is typically made after excluding other causes of diarrhea. Treatment focuses on symptom management and lifestyle modifications. The associated lab test suggests ongoing monitoring or evaluation of the condition.
Category
Digestive System Disorders
Medical Specialty
Gastroenterology
Expected Costs
Your actual cost will depend on your insurance coverage, provider location, and specific circumstances.
What's Required Before This
- Medical evaluation to rule out other causes
- Symptom duration assessment
- Possible stool tests or other diagnostic procedures
What to Expect After
- Dietary modifications
- Stress management
- Regular monitoring of symptoms
- Possible medication management
- Follow-up appointments with healthcare provider
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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