R197 - Diarrhea without a specific underlying cause identified
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
This code is used when a patient has diarrhea (loose, watery stools occurring more frequently than normal) but the healthcare provider has not identified or specified the exact cause. Diarrhea can result from many different factors including infections, medications, dietary issues, or underlying medical conditions. This code indicates that while diarrhea is present and documented, additional testing or evaluation may be needed to determine the specific cause.
Additional Information
This is a symptom code rather than a definitive diagnosis. The underlying cause of diarrhea may require additional evaluation and testing to identify.
Category
Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen
Medical Specialty
Primary Care, Gastroenterology
Expected Costs
Your actual cost will depend on your insurance coverage, provider location, and specific circumstances.
What to Expect After
- Monitor hydration status
- Consider stool testing if symptoms persist
- Dietary modifications as recommended
- Follow up if symptoms worsen or don't improve
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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