Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Delayed Gastric Emptying(K31.84, E10.43, E11.43)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Delayed Gastric Emptying. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

GastroparesisGastric Stasis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Delayed Gastric Emptying

K31-K31.9Primary Range

Diseases of stomach and duodenum

This range includes codes for gastroparesis and related gastric disorders.

Diabetes mellitus

This range includes codes for diabetic gastroparesis, where diabetes is the underlying cause.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K31.84GastroparesisUse when gastroparesis is confirmed without diabetes as the underlying cause.
  • Gastric emptying scintigraphy showing >10% retention at 4 hours
  • Exclusion of mechanical obstruction via EGD
E10.43Type 1 diabetes mellitus with diabetic autonomic (poly)neuropathyUse when gastroparesis is due to Type 1 diabetes.
  • HbA1c >6.5%
  • Documentation of autonomic neuropathy
E11.43Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic autonomic (poly)neuropathyUse when gastroparesis is due to Type 2 diabetes.
  • HbA1c >6.5%
  • Documentation of autonomic neuropathy

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 delayed gastric emptying

Essential facts and insights about Delayed Gastric Emptying

The ICD-10 code for delayed gastric emptying is K31.84. For diabetic cases, use E10.43 or E11.43.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for delayed gastric emptying

Gastroparesis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • GES showing >10% retention at 4 hours

documentation Criteria

  • Exclusion of mechanical obstruction

Applicable To

  • Idiopathic gastroparesis
  • Post-infectious gastroparesis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Gastric emptying scintigraphy showing >10% retention at 4 hours
  • Exclusion of mechanical obstruction via EGD

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding diabetic gastroparesis as K31.84

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes scintigraphy results and exclusion of obstruction.

Ancillary Codes

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

Nausea with vomiting

R11.2
Use for symptom management alongside primary gastroparesis code.

Ileus

K56.7
Use when ileus is a complication of gastroparesis.

Differential Codes

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

Other specified diseases of stomach and duodenum

K31.89
Use when delayed gastric emptying is due to mechanical obstruction.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Delayed Gastric Emptying to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K31.84.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all test results are documented, Use specific language linking symptoms to test findings

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Link with 'due to' language and use E10.43 or E11.43 with K31.84.

Impact

Reimbursement: May affect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with sequencing rules., Data Quality: Misrepresentation of primary diagnosis.

Mitigation Strategy

Sequence K31.84 first if gastroparesis is the focus.

Impact

Lack of documented scintigraphy results can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all GES results are included in patient 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 Delayed Gastric Emptying, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Delayed Gastric Emptying

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Delayed Gastric Emptying. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Diabetic Gastroparesis

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Symptoms
  • GES results
  • Diabetes management
  • Exclusion of obstruction

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: 'Worsening postprandial vomiting x 3mo, early satiety after ½ cup food.' **Objective**: BMI 18.3 (↓2kg in 6mo), GES: 52% retention at 4hrs (normal <10%), EGD: No obstruction, retained food despite 12hr fast **Assessment**: Idiopathic gastroparesis (K31.84) **Plan**: Start metoclopramide; repeat GES in 6mo

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has slow stomach emptying.
Good Documentation Example
Gastric emptying scintigraphy showed 45% retention at 4 hours, confirming gastroparesis. No mechanical obstruction on EGD.
Explanation
The good example provides specific test results and excludes mechanical obstruction, meeting documentation requirements.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Delayed Gastric Emptying? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more