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ICD-10 Coding for Gastrointestinal Bleeding(K92.2, K25.4)

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

Also known as:

GI BleedGastrointestinal HemorrhageGIBGI Hemorrhage

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Gastrointestinal Bleeding

K92.0-K92.2Primary Range

Other diseases of digestive system

This range includes codes for unspecified gastrointestinal bleeding, hematemesis, and melena.

Peptic ulcer diseases with hemorrhage

This range includes specific codes for peptic ulcers with hemorrhage.

Other diseases of intestines

Includes codes for conditions like diverticulosis and angiodysplasia with bleeding.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K92.2Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, unspecifiedUse when GI bleeding is present but the source is not identified.
  • Documentation of GI bleeding without a specified source after diagnostic procedures.
K25.4Gastric ulcer with hemorrhageUse when a gastric ulcer is documented with active bleeding.
  • Endoscopic confirmation of bleeding gastric ulcer.

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 gastrointestinal bleeding

Essential facts and insights about Gastrointestinal Bleeding

The ICD-10 code for unspecified gastrointestinal bleeding is K92.2. Use specific codes like K25.4 for gastric ulcer with hemorrhage when the source is identified.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for gastrointestinal bleeding

Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • GI bleeding present without identified source

documentation Criteria

  • Endoscopy or imaging does not reveal specific source

Applicable To

  • GI bleeding NOS

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of GI bleeding without a specified source after diagnostic procedures.

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of overuse if specific bleeding source is identified but not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the lack of identifiable source if using K92.2.

Ancillary Codes

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

Iron deficiency anemia secondary to blood loss (chronic)

D50.0
Use when anemia is due to chronic blood loss from GI bleeding.

Differential Codes

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

Hematemesis

K92.0
Use when vomiting of blood is specifically documented.

Melena

K92.1
Use when black, tarry stools are documented.

Gastric ulcer, unspecified as acute or chronic, without hemorrhage or perforation

K25.9
Use when no bleeding is documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Gastrointestinal Bleeding to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K92.2.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment if source is not communicated., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure endoscopy reports are detailed., Use specific language in clinical notes.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement if specificity affects DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines requiring specificity., Data Quality: Reduces data accuracy for clinical and research purposes.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use the most specific code available based on documentation.

Impact

Audits may focus on the specificity of codes used for GI bleeding.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation clearly links bleeding to specific conditions.

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

Documentation Templates for Gastrointestinal Bleeding

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

Acute GI Bleeding in Emergency Department

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Presenting symptoms
  • Vital signs
  • Diagnostic findings
  • Treatment provided
  • Follow-up plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with hematemesis and melena. Vital signs show hypotension. EGD reveals bleeding duodenal ulcer. Treated with PPI and transfusion. Plan for repeat CBC and GI consult.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient with GI bleed, EGD pending.
Good Documentation Example
Patient with hematemesis, EGD shows bleeding duodenal ulcer. Treated with PPI.
Explanation
The good example specifies the source of bleeding and treatment provided.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Gastrointestinal Bleeding? Ask your questions below.

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