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ICD-10 Coding for Esophageal Dysphagia(K22.2, K22.4, I69.391, R13.19)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Esophageal Dysphagia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Swallowing DifficultyDysphagia of the Esophagusswallowing disorderdysphagia esophageal

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Esophageal Dysphagia

K22.2-K22.4Primary Range

Esophageal obstruction and dyskinesia

Covers structural and motility disorders causing esophageal dysphagia.

Dysphagia

Includes general dysphagia codes, used when specific etiology is unknown.

Sequelae of cerebrovascular disease

Used for dysphagia resulting from stroke.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K22.2Esophageal obstructionUse for structural causes of esophageal dysphagia.
  • Endoscopy showing stricture
  • Barium swallow indicating obstruction
K22.4Dyskinesia of esophagusUse for motility-related esophageal dysphagia.
  • High-resolution manometry showing motility disorder
I69.391Dysphagia following cerebral infarctionUse for dysphagia as a sequela of stroke.
  • History of stroke with swallowing difficulty
R13.19Other dysphagiaUse when specific cause is not identified.
  • Exclusion of structural and motility causes

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 esophageal dysphagia

Essential facts and insights about Esophageal Dysphagia

The ICD-10 code for esophageal dysphagia varies by cause: K22.2 for structural and K22.4 for motility disorders.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for esophageal dysphagia

Esophageal obstruction
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed structural abnormality on imaging

Applicable To

  • Strictures
  • Tumors

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Endoscopy showing stricture
  • Barium swallow indicating obstruction

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if not confirmed by imaging

Coding Notes

  • Ensure structural cause is confirmed before coding.

Differential Codes

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

Dyskinesia of esophagus

K22.4
Use for motility disorders like achalasia.

Esophageal obstruction

K22.2
Use for structural causes confirmed by imaging.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Esophageal Dysphagia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K22.2.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Fails to meet documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Provide detailed symptom descriptions, Include diagnostic test results

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use K22.2 for structural causes like strictures.

Impact

Using general dysphagia codes without specifying phase.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the phase of dysphagia.

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 Esophageal Dysphagia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Esophageal Dysphagia

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Esophageal Dysphagia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Esophageal stricture due to GERD

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Endoscopy findings
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with solid-food dysphagia. EGD shows 8mm peptic stricture. Plan for dilation and PPI therapy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Dysphagia improved with meds.
Good Documentation Example
Solid-food dysphagia resolved post-dilation. Repeat EGD shows 12mm luminal diameter. Continue PPI.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical details and follow-up actions.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Esophageal Dysphagia? Ask your questions below.

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