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ICD-10 Coding for Esophageal Ulcer(K22.10, K22.11)

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

Also known as:

Ulcer of the esophagusEsophageal ulceration

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Esophageal Ulcer

K22.1-K22.11Primary Range

Diseases of esophagus, including esophageal ulcer

This range includes codes specific to esophageal ulcers, with and without bleeding.

Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of alcohol

Used when alcohol use contributes to the esophageal ulcer.

Viral infections causing esophagitis

Used for viral causes of esophageal ulcers, such as CMV or HSV.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K22.10Ulcer of esophagus without bleedingUse when an esophageal ulcer is confirmed without bleeding.
  • Endoscopic confirmation of esophageal ulcer without active bleeding
K22.11Ulcer of esophagus with bleedingUse when an esophageal ulcer is confirmed with bleeding.
  • Endoscopic findings of bleeding ulcer
  • Documentation of hematemesis or melena

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 ulcer with bleeding

Essential facts and insights about Esophageal Ulcer

The ICD-10 code for an esophageal ulcer with bleeding is K22.11, used when bleeding is documented.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for esophageal ulcer

Ulcer of esophagus without bleeding
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Endoscopy shows ulcer without bleeding

Applicable To

  • Esophageal ulcer without bleeding

Excludes

  • Esophageal ulcer with bleeding (K22.11)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Endoscopic confirmation of esophageal ulcer without active bleeding

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if bleeding is present but not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies absence of bleeding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Alcohol abuse

F10.1
Use if alcohol abuse contributes to the ulcer.

CMV esophagitis

B25.1
Use if CMV infection is confirmed as a cause.

Differential Codes

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

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis

K21.0
Use K21.0 if GERD with esophagitis is present without discrete ulceration.

Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, unspecified

K92.2
Use K92.2 if the source of bleeding is not specified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient condition, Regulatory: Potential audit risk, Financial: Incorrect reimbursement

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure endoscopy findings are detailed, Verify documentation before coding

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use K22.11 if bleeding is documented.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of bleeding can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed endoscopy reports are included in the patient record.

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

Documentation Templates for Esophageal Ulcer

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

Esophageal ulcer with bleeding

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Endoscopy findings
  • Bleeding status
  • Etiology

Example Documentation

Patient presents with hematemesis. EGD reveals a 2cm ulcer in the distal esophagus with active oozing. Biopsy taken.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Esophageal ulcer noted.
Good Documentation Example
2cm esophageal ulcer with active oozing observed on EGD.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the ulcer and bleeding status.

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

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