Underdosing of stimulant laxatives, sequela

This code indicates a patient is experiencing a long-term consequence or complication directly resulting from having previously received an insufficient amount of stimulant laxatives. These sequelae are the residual effects of the underdosing, not the acute event itself.

Apply this code when documenting chronic constipation, bowel obstruction, fecal impaction, or other persistent conditions that are definitively attributed to a past underdosing of stimulant laxatives. This code is appropriate when the acute underdosing event has resolved, but its lasting impact remains.

• Always assign an additional code(s) to specify the nature of the sequela (e.g., K59.00 for chronic constipation).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a past underdosing event, not an ongoing one.
• The "S" seventh character indicates sequela and should only be used for the residual effects of the underdosing.