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ICD-10 Coding for Coffee Ground Vomitus(K92.0, R11.10)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Coffee Ground Vomitus. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Coffee Ground EmesisVomiting Coffee Grounds

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Coffee Ground Vomitus

K92.0-K92.9Primary Range

Diseases of the digestive system, specifically gastrointestinal hemorrhage

This range includes codes for gastrointestinal bleeding, including hematemesis, which is relevant when coffee ground vomitus is linked to a confirmed upper GI bleed.

Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen, specifically nausea and vomiting

This range includes codes for unspecified vomiting, which is used when coffee ground vomitus is not explicitly linked to hematemesis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K92.0HematemesisUse when there is explicit documentation linking coffee ground vomitus to hematemesis.
  • Endoscopy confirming source of bleeding
  • Documentation of hematemesis
R11.10Vomiting, unspecifiedUse when coffee ground vomitus is documented without confirmation of hematemesis.
  • Absence of documentation linking to hematemesis

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: Can coffee ground vomit be coded as hematemesis?

Essential facts and insights about Coffee Ground Vomitus

Coffee ground vomit can be coded as hematemesis (K92.0) only if there is explicit documentation linking it to a GI bleed.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for coffee ground vomit

Hematemesis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit linkage of coffee ground emesis to hematemesis

Applicable To

  • Vomiting of blood
  • Coffee ground emesis when linked to hematemesis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Endoscopy confirming source of bleeding
  • Documentation of hematemesis

Code-Specific Risks

  • Assuming coffee ground emesis equals hematemesis without documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation explicitly states hematemesis for K92.0.

Ancillary Codes

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

Iron deficiency anemia secondary to blood loss (chronic)

D50.0
Use when anemia is present due to chronic blood loss.

Differential Codes

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

Melena

R19.5
Melena refers to black, tarry stools, not vomiting.

Hematemesis

K92.0
Requires explicit documentation of blood in vomit.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Coffee Ground Vomitus to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K92.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Financial: Potential for incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always verify with the provider if hematemesis is suspected., Ensure endoscopy findings are documented.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to potential overpayment or underpayment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Query the provider or use R11.10 if hematemesis is not documented.

Impact

Risk of coding errors if documentation does not explicitly confirm hematemesis.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement provider education and regular audits of documentation.

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 Coffee Ground Vomitus, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Coffee Ground Vomitus

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Coffee Ground Vomitus. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Emergency Department Visit for Coffee Ground Vomitus

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Chief complaint
  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Diagnostic test results
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

CC: Vomiting coffee ground material. HPI: Associated with dizziness. EGD: Reveals bleeding gastric ulcer. Assessment: Hematemesis due to gastric ulcer.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient vomited coffee ground material.
Good Documentation Example
Hematemesis confirmed via endoscopy, source upper GI bleed from gastric ulcer.
Explanation
The good example provides specific diagnostic confirmation and links the symptom to a documented condition.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Coffee Ground Vomitus? Ask your questions below.

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