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ICD-10 Coding for Acute Gastrointestinal Bleed(K25.0, K92.2)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acute Gastrointestinal Bleed. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Acute GI BleedAcute Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Acute Gastrointestinal Bleed

K25-K28Primary Range

Ulcer of stomach and duodenum

Covers specific ulcers with hemorrhage, primary for acute GI bleed with identified ulcer source.

Other diseases of the digestive system

Includes unspecified GI hemorrhage when no specific source is identified.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K25.0Acute gastric ulcer with hemorrhageUse when an endoscopy confirms a gastric ulcer with active hemorrhage.
  • Endoscopic confirmation of ulcer
  • Active bleeding observed
K92.2Unspecified gastrointestinal hemorrhageUse when the source of GI bleeding is not identified after diagnostic workup.
  • Negative endoscopy or imaging for specific source

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for acute gastrointestinal bleed

Essential facts and insights about Acute Gastrointestinal Bleed

The ICD-10 code for an acute gastrointestinal bleed without a specified source is K92.2. For a gastric ulcer with bleeding, use K25.0.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acute gastrointestinal bleed

Acute gastric ulcer with hemorrhage
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Endoscopic evidence of bleeding ulcer

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of gastric ulcer with hemorrhage

Applicable To

  • Forrest Ia/Ib ulcer
  • Oozing blood
  • Visible vessel

Excludes

  • Chronic gastric ulcer with hemorrhage

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Endoscopic confirmation of ulcer
  • Active bleeding observed

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as unspecified GI bleed

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the ulcer type and bleeding status.

Ancillary Codes

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

Acute posthemorrhagic anemia

D62
Use when there is documented acute blood loss anemia.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified gastrointestinal hemorrhage

K92.2
Use K92.2 when no specific source of bleeding is identified.

Acute gastric ulcer with hemorrhage

K25.0
Use K25.0 when a gastric ulcer with bleeding is confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Gastrointestinal Bleed to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K25.0.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inaccurate clinical records., Regulatory: May result in coding audits., Financial: Potentially lower reimbursement rates.

Mitigation Strategy

Review endoscopy and imaging results before coding., Ensure documentation specifies the source.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing can lead to lower DRG reimbursement., Compliance: May trigger audits due to improper coding practices., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of clinical data and reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Sequence the hemorrhage as the principal diagnosis if it is the primary reason for admission.

Impact

Using K92.2 when a specific source is documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on documentation and coding updates.

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 Acute Gastrointestinal Bleed, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Acute Gastrointestinal Bleed

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acute Gastrointestinal Bleed. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Acute upper GI bleed with gastric ulcer

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Onset and symptoms
  • Endoscopy findings
  • Hemoglobin levels
  • Treatment provided

Example Documentation

Patient presents with hematemesis. EGD shows actively bleeding gastric ulcer. Hemoglobin 7.2 g/dL. Transfused 2 units PRBC.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
GI bleed, transfused.
Good Documentation Example
Acute upper GI bleed from Forrest Ib gastric ulcer. Hgb 7.4 g/dL → 9.1 g/dL post-transfusion. On pantoprazole drip.
Explanation
The good example provides specific ulcer type, bleeding status, and treatment details.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Acute Gastrointestinal Bleed? Ask your questions below.

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