Constitutional short stature

This code describes a form of short stature where an individual is significantly shorter than average for their age and sex, but their growth velocity is normal, and they have a delayed bone age. It is a diagnosis of exclusion, indicating a constitutional delay in growth and puberty rather than an underlying pathological condition.

Apply this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of constitutional short stature, typically after ruling out other causes of growth failure. This diagnosis is often made in pediatric patients presenting with short stature, normal growth rate, and delayed pubertal development. Supporting documentation includes growth charts, bone age assessments, and negative workups for endocrine or systemic diseases.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "constitutional short stature" or "constitutional delay of growth and puberty" after appropriate diagnostic workup.
• Do not use this code for pathological causes of short stature, such as growth hormone deficiency or genetic syndromes.
• Consider sequencing this code as a primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis if evaluating other related conditions.