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ICD-10 Coding for Barrett's Esophagus(K22.70, K22.710)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Barrett's Esophagus. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Barrett's SyndromeBarrett's DiseaseBarrett's Mucosabarrett's metaplasia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Barrett's Esophagus

K22.7Primary Range

Barrett's esophagus with and without dysplasia

This range covers all forms of Barrett's esophagus, including those with different grades of dysplasia.

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitis

GERD is often an underlying condition that leads to Barrett's esophagus and should be coded first if present.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K22.70Barrett's esophagus without dysplasiaUse when Barrett's esophagus is confirmed without any dysplastic changes.
  • Endoscopic evidence of columnar-lined esophagus
  • Biopsy confirming intestinal metaplasia
K22.710Barrett's esophagus with low-grade dysplasiaUse when low-grade dysplasia is confirmed by pathology.
  • Pathology report indicating low-grade dysplasia
  • Endoscopic findings consistent with Barrett's

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 Barrett's esophagus

Essential facts and insights about Barrett's Esophagus

Barrett's esophagus is coded under K22.7, with specific codes for dysplasia grades: K22.710 for low-grade and K22.711 for high-grade dysplasia.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for barrett's

Barrett's esophagus without dysplasia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Biopsy confirms intestinal metaplasia without dysplasia.

Applicable To

  • Barrett's esophagus without any dysplastic changes

Excludes

  • Esophageal adenocarcinoma (C15.x)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Endoscopic evidence of columnar-lined esophagus
  • Biopsy confirming intestinal metaplasia

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if dysplasia is present but not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies absence of dysplasia.

Ancillary Codes

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

GERD without esophagitis

K21.9
Use when GERD is the underlying cause of Barrett's esophagus.

Differential Codes

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

Esophageal adenocarcinoma

C15.x
Use if malignancy is confirmed in the esophagus.

Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia

K22.711
Use if high-grade dysplasia is confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Barrett's Esophagus to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K22.70.

Impact

Clinical: Impacts treatment decisions, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Review pathology reports, Use templates for documentation

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure dysplasia is documented and use appropriate dysplasia code.

Impact

Failure to document dysplasia grade can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized templates and ensure pathology reports are reviewed.

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 Barrett's Esophagus, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Barrett's Esophagus

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Barrett's Esophagus. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Surveillance EGD for Barrett's

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Endoscopic findings
  • Biopsy results
  • Dysplasia grade

Example Documentation

Patient presents for surveillance EGD. Endoscopy shows 3 cm Barrett's segment. Biopsies reveal low-grade dysplasia.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Barrett's esophagus noted.
Good Documentation Example
3 cm Barrett's segment with low-grade dysplasia confirmed by biopsy.
Explanation
The good example provides specific measurements and biopsy results.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Barrett's Esophagus? Ask your questions below.

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