ICD-10 Coding for Achalasia of Esophagus(K22.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Achalasia of Esophagus. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Achalasia of Esophagus
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 of esophagus
Essential facts and insights about Achalasia of Esophagus
Primary ICD-10-CM Code for achalasia of esophagus
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed diagnosis via HRM and barium swallow
documentation Criteria
- Detailed symptomatology and test results documented
Applicable To
- Achalasia NOS
- Cardiospasm
Excludes
- Congenital cardiospasm (Q39.5)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- High-resolution manometry showing elevated IRP and 100% failed peristalsis
- Barium swallow showing bird's beak narrowing and delayed emptying
Code-Specific Risks
- Confusion with congenital cardiospasm
- Misdiagnosis as GERD without proper exclusion
Coding Notes
- Ensure GERD is ruled out before coding K22.0.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Achalasia of Esophagus 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., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all test results are documented., Include specific findings from HRM and barium swallow.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Verify if the achalasia is congenital or acquired before coding.
Impact
Failure to document GERD exclusion can lead to audit issues.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure pH monitoring or EGD results are included in records.
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 of Esophagus, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Achalasia of Esophagus
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Achalasia of Esophagus. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Achalasia Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- Patient symptoms
- HRM findings
- Barium swallow results
- Eckardt score
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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