2025 ICD-10-CM code R19.11
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified - Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen (R10-R19) Chapter 18: Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99) Feed
Absent bowel sounds.
No modifiers are applicable to this ICD-10-CM code.
Medical necessity is established by the underlying condition causing the absent bowel sounds.Further investigations and treatment are justified if the cause is potentially serious, such as an obstruction or infection.
Clinicians should evaluate the patient's medical history and other presenting signs and symptoms to determine the cause of the absent bowel sounds. Further investigations such as imaging studies or laboratory tests may be necessary.
- Chapter 18: Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99)
- Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen (R10-R19)
In simple words: The doctor cannot hear the normal noises of the gut with a stethoscope.
Absence of bowel sounds, typically indicative of a disruption in normal digestive function.
Example 1: A 45-year-old male presents to the emergency room with severe abdominal pain and distension. Upon physical examination, the physician notes absent bowel sounds, raising suspicion for an intestinal obstruction., A 28-year-old female undergoes a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Postoperatively, she experiences nausea and vomiting. The nurse notes absent bowel sounds during an assessment, suggesting a possible postoperative ileus., A 60-year-old male with a history of peritonitis presents with abdominal pain and bloating. Absent bowel sounds are detected, indicating a potential recurrence of the infection.
Documentation should include details of the examination, associated signs and symptoms, and any diagnostic tests performed, such as abdominal X-rays or CT scans. This helps establish the cause of absent bowel sounds and guide appropriate treatment.
** Absence of bowel sounds is a clinical finding and not a disease in itself. It is essential to investigate the underlying cause. R19.11 should not be used with R10.0 (Acute abdomen).
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