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ICD-10 Coding for Gastric Tube(K94.22, K94.23, Z43.1)

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

Also known as:

G-tubeGastrostomy Tube

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Gastric Tube

K94.2-K94.23Primary Range

Complications of gastrostomy

This range includes codes for complications related to gastrostomy tubes, such as infections and mechanical issues.

Encounter for attention to gastrostomy

This code is used for encounters specifically for the care or replacement of a gastrostomy tube.

Gastrostomy status

This code indicates the presence of a gastrostomy tube without current complications.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K94.22Infection of gastrostomyUse when there is a documented infection of the gastrostomy site.
  • Purulent drainage
  • WBC >12,000
  • Fever ≥100.4°F
K94.23Mechanical complication of gastrostomyUse for mechanical issues like blockage or leakage.
  • Contrast study showing blockage
  • Residual volume >500 mL
Z43.1Encounter for attention to gastrostomyUse for routine care or replacement without complications.
  • Documented encounter for tube care

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 gastric tube infection

Essential facts and insights about Gastric Tube

The ICD-10 code for a gastric tube infection is K94.22, which requires documentation of infection signs.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for gastric tube

Infection of gastrostomy
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of infection signs like purulent drainage

Applicable To

  • Gastrostomy tube infection

Excludes

  • Infection of other enteral devices

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Purulent drainage
  • WBC >12,000
  • Fever ≥100.4°F

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misidentifying inflammation as infection

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies infection criteria.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for attention to gastrostomy

Z43.1
Use for routine care or replacement visits.

Differential Codes

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

Mechanical complication of gastrostomy

K94.23
Use K94.23 for mechanical issues without infection.

Infection of gastrostomy

K94.22
Use K94.22 if infection is present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Gastric Tube to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K94.22.

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete patient records., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all encounter details are documented., Use templates for consistency.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Impacts accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use K94.22 or K94.23 for active issues.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect claims submission., Compliance: Potential audit issues., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify tube type and use appropriate codes.

Impact

Improper sequencing of primary and ancillary codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Follow coding guidelines for sequence order.

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

Documentation Templates for Gastric Tube

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

Tube malfunction with dehydration

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Assessment of tube function
  • Signs of dehydration
  • Plan for tube replacement

Example Documentation

Assessment: G-tube dysfunction with failed flush attempts. Plan: Replace G-tube under fluoroscopy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Tube clogged, give fluids.
Good Documentation Example
18Fr G-tube occluded despite 30mL H2O flush; replaced via mature tract using 49450. Tolerated 240mL Ensure.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on the tube issue and the intervention performed.

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