Polydipsia

This code represents the symptom of excessive thirst, often leading to excessive fluid intake. Polydipsia is not a disease itself but rather a clinical manifestation of an underlying medical condition.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states "polydipsia" as a presenting symptom or a finding during evaluation. It is frequently associated with conditions like diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, or psychogenic polydipsia.

• Always code the underlying cause of polydipsia first, if known and documented.
• Do not use this code if the thirst is a normal physiological response (e.g., after strenuous exercise).
• Distinguish from dehydration, which is a state of fluid deficit, though polydipsia can be a symptom of it.