Short bowel syndrome, unspecified

This code represents a condition characterized by malabsorption and malnutrition resulting from a significant reduction in functional small bowel length, typically due to surgical resection or congenital defects. Patients often experience chronic diarrhea, dehydration, and nutrient deficiencies requiring specialized nutritional support.

Assign this code when documentation indicates short bowel syndrome without further specification of its etiology or specific type. This is appropriate when the provider has diagnosed short bowel syndrome but has not identified whether it is congenital, acquired, or due to a specific underlying cause.

• Use this code only when the specific type of short bowel syndrome is not documented. If the etiology (e.g., congenital, acquired) is known, a more specific code should be assigned.
• Always sequence this code after the underlying cause if known and applicable (e.g., Crohn's disease, mesenteric ischemia leading to resection).
• Ensure documentation clearly states "short bowel syndrome" or a similar clinical phrase indicating the condition, even if the specific type is unknown.