ICD-10 Coding for Erosive Esophagitis(K20.0, K21.0, K20.01)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Erosive Esophagitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Erosive Esophagitis
K20-K23Primary Range
Diseases of esophagus
This range includes codes for esophagitis, including erosive esophagitis and related conditions.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K20.0 | Erosive esophagitis | Use when erosive esophagitis is documented without a confirmed link to GERD. |
|
| K21.0 | Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis | Use when GERD is confirmed and linked to esophagitis. |
|
| K20.01 | Erosive esophagitis with bleeding | Use when erosive esophagitis is documented with bleeding. |
|
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 erosive esophagitis
Essential facts and insights about Erosive Esophagitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for erosive esophagitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Endoscopic findings of erosions without GERD symptoms
Applicable To
- Erosive esophagitis without GERD
Excludes
- GERD with esophagitis (K21.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Endoscopic evidence of erosions without GERD confirmation
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly assuming GERD without documentation
Coding Notes
- Ensure GERD is not assumed without documentation.
K21.0 - Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis
Use when GERD is confirmed and linked to esophagitis.
Applicable To
- GERD with esophagitis
Excludes
- Erosive esophagitis without GERD (K20.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Endoscopic evidence of esophagitis with GERD symptoms
Coding Notes
Document GERD symptoms and esophagitis linkage.
K20.01 - Erosive esophagitis with bleeding
Use when erosive esophagitis is documented with bleeding.
Applicable To
- Erosive esophagitis with documented bleeding
Excludes
- GERD with bleeding (K21.01)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Endoscopic evidence of bleeding
Coding Notes
Ensure bleeding is documented.
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 Erosive Esophagitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K20.0.
Impact
Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure GERD symptoms are documented if present.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure GERD is explicitly documented before using K21.0.
Impact
Risk of audits if GERD is coded without documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all GERD-related symptoms and findings are documented.
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 Erosive Esophagitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Erosive Esophagitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Erosive Esophagitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Erosive esophagitis without GERD
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- Endoscopic findings
- Absence of GERD symptoms
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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