ICD-10 Code for Diarrhea: R19.7
Diarrhea is one of the most common clinical symptoms encountered in outpatient, inpatient, and emergency care settings. From a medical coding and billing perspective, using the correct ICD-10 code for diarrhea is critical for accurate documentation, clean claims, and proper reimbursement.
Table of Contents
ToggleWhat Is the ICD-10 Code for Diarrhea?
ICD-10-CM Code: R19.7
R19.7 — Diarrhea, unspecified
This code is used when a patient presents with diarrhea, but no specific underlying cause has been identified or documented at the time of the encounter.
When to Use ICD-10 Code R19.7
Use R19.7 when:
- Diarrhea is documented as a symptom, not a confirmed diagnosis
- The cause is unknown, pending, or not specified
- The encounter focuses on evaluation, observation, or symptomatic treatment
- Lab results are pending or inconclusive
Common Clinical Scenarios
- Acute diarrhea without an identified etiology
- Diarrhea due to dietary changes or stress (not otherwise specified)
- Initial visits before infectious or chronic causes are confirmed
When Not to Use R19.7
Do not use R19.7 if the provider documents a specific cause of diarrhea. In those cases, code the underlying condition instead.
Examples of More Specific ICD-10 Codes
| Condition | ICD-10 Code |
|---|---|
| Infectious gastroenteritis | A09 |
| C. difficile colitis | A04.7 |
| Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea | K58.0 |
| Ulcerative colitis | K51.- |
| Crohn’s disease | K50.- |
| Drug-induced diarrhea | K52.1 |
| Functional diarrhea | K59.1 |
Coding Rule: When a definitive diagnosis is established, symptom codes like R19.7 should not be reported.
Acute vs. Chronic Diarrhea: Coding Considerations
ICD-10 does not differentiate diarrhea by duration within R19.7, but documentation still matters.
| Type | Duration | Coding Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Acute | < 14 days | R19.7 acceptable if cause unknown |
| Persistent | 14–30 days | Consider further diagnostic codes |
| Chronic | > 4 weeks | Usually requires diagnosis-specific coding |
Documentation Best Practices for R19.7
To support correct use of R19.7, providers should document:
- Onset and duration of diarrhea
- Frequency and stool characteristics
- Associated symptoms (fever, abdominal pain, dehydration)
- Known or ruled-out causes
- Diagnostic tests ordered or pending
Clear documentation helps coders:
- Avoid claim denials
- Prevent downcoding
- Support medical necessity
ICD-10 Coding Guidelines Related to Diarrhea
According to ICD-10-CM guidelines:
- Symptom codes (R00–R99) are used when:
- No definitive diagnosis has been established
- Symptoms are the primary reason for the encounter
- If diarrhea is integral to a confirmed condition, do not code it separately
R19.7 in Medical Billing and Reimbursement
- Billable Code: Yes
- POA Exempt: No
- HIPAA-Compliant: Yes
- Use in ED / Urgent Care: Common
- Use as Primary Diagnosis: Yes, when appropriate
R19.7 is frequently used as a primary diagnosis for emergency visits and outpatient encounters focused on symptom management.
Common Coding Errors to Avoid
- Using R19.7 when infectious diarrhea is confirmed
- Coding R19.7 alongside a definitive GI diagnosis
- Missing documentation to justify “unspecified”
- Failing to update the code once test results are available
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICD-10 code for diarrhea?
The ICD-10-CM code for diarrhea is R19.7, used when the cause is unspecified.
Is R19.7 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, R19.7 is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for reimbursement.
Can R19.7 be used as a primary diagnosis?
Yes, when diarrhea is the main reason for the patient encounter and no specific cause is documented.
Should R19.7 be coded with gastroenteritis?
No. If gastroenteritis or another diagnosis is confirmed, code the underlying condition instead.
Does ICD-10 distinguish between acute and chronic diarrhea?
No. Duration is clinically relevant but not distinguished within code R19.7.
Key Takeaways
- R19.7 is the correct ICD-10 code for unspecified diarrhea
- Use it only when no definitive cause is documented
- Always code the underlying condition when known
- Strong documentation is essential for clean claims and compliance
Need Help With ICD-10 Coding Accuracy?
If you’re a medical coder, biller, or healthcare provider, accurate ICD-10 coding protects revenue and compliance. Bookmark this guide, and explore our related resources on GI symptom coding, CMS guidelines, and documentation best practices.
