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ICD-10 Coding for Achalasia Cardia(K22.0)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Achalasia Cardia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Esophageal AchalasiaCardiospasm

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Achalasia Cardia

K20-K31Primary Range

Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum

This range includes conditions affecting the esophagus, including achalasia.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for achalasia cardia

Essential facts and insights about Achalasia Cardia

The ICD-10 code for achalasia cardia is K22.0, confirmed by diagnostic testing.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for achalasia cardia

Achalasia of cardia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • HRM showing IRP >15 mmHg and 100% failed peristalsis

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed symptom description and HRM results

Applicable To

  • Esophageal achalasia
  • Cardiospasm

Excludes

  • Congenital cardiospasm (Q39.5)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • High-Resolution Manometry (HRM) showing IRP >15 mmHg and 100% failed peristalsis
  • Barium swallow indicating dilated esophagus with tapered narrowing at LES

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misdiagnosing congenital cases as acquired achalasia
  • Incorrectly coding GERD when achalasia is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure HRM results are documented to support achalasia diagnosis.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Dysphagia

R13.1-
Use to specify type of dysphagia when associated with achalasia.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Congenital cardiospasm

Q39.5
Use Q39.5 for congenital cases identified at birth.

GERD with esophagitis

K21.0
Use K21.0 if reflux is the dominant symptom.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Achalasia Cardia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K22.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement checklist for documentation requirements, Regular training on documentation standards

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify patient history to distinguish congenital cases.

Impact

Lack of detailed HRM results can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all diagnostic criteria are documented.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Achalasia Cardia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Achalasia Cardia

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Achalasia Cardia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Achalasia diagnosis and treatment planning

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • HRM results
  • Eckardt score
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: 'Worsening dysphagia to solids x6 months, 10 lb weight loss. Eckardt score 9.' **Objective**: HRM: IRP 30 mmHg, 100% failed peristalsis, panesophageal pressurization (Type II) **Assessment**: Achalasia cardia, Type II (K22.0) **Plan**: Pneumatic dilation scheduled; R13.12 (esophageal dysphagia) added

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has trouble swallowing.
Good Documentation Example
Dysphagia to solids/liquids (Eckardt score 3), HRM shows IRP 22 mmHg with absent peristalsis (Type I achalasia).
Explanation
The good example provides specific diagnostic criteria and symptom severity.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Achalasia Cardia? Ask your questions below.

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