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Home/Diagnosis/ICD-10 Coding for Black Stool

ICD-10 Coding for Black Stool

K92.1
R19.5

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for icd-10 coding for black stool includes clinical validation requirements, medical necessity guidelines, and coding policies.

Also Known as:
Melena
Tarry Stools
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Key Information: ICD-10 Coding for Black Stool

Essential facts and insights about ICD-10 Coding for Black Stool

Use ICD-10 code K92.1 for melena, ensuring proper documentation in clinical notes.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Melena

Billable Code
K92.1
Billable

Diagnostic Criteria

clinical:
  • • Stool is black, tarry, and foul-smelling.
documentation:
  • • Provider documents upper GI source confirmed by endoscopy.

Applicable To

  • • Black, tarry stools
  • • Upper GI bleeding

Important Notes

  • • Ensure documentation specifies 'black, tarry stools' to support K92.1.

Other fecal abnormalities

Billable Code
R19.5
Billable

Diagnostic Criteria

clinical:
  • • Dark stool without tarry quality
documentation:
  • • Negative endoscopy for upper GI bleed

Applicable To

  • • Occult blood in stool
  • • Dark stool not tarry

Important Notes

  • • Ensure documentation clarifies the absence of tarry quality.
Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that may be used with this diagnosis

K25.0

Acute gastric ulcer with hemorrhage

Use when melena is due to a gastric ulcer, sequencing K25.0 before K92.1.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for black stool?

The ICD-10 code for black stool, specifically melena, is K92.1. This code is used when the stool is black, tarry, and indicates upper GI bleeding.

When should R19.5 be used instead of K92.1?

R19.5 is used for dark stools that are not tarry, such as those caused by iron supplements, while K92.1 is for black, tarry stools indicating melena.

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