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ICD-10 Coding for Gluten Allergy(K90.0, K90.41, Z91.038)

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

Also known as:

Non-Celiac Gluten SensitivityGluten Intolerance

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Gluten Allergy

K90.0-K90.49Primary Range

Malabsorption due to intolerance, including celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity

This range includes codes for celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, which are primary conditions related to gluten intolerance.

Personal history of allergy to other foods

This range includes codes for allergies to specific foods, which may be used if gluten allergy is confirmed as IgE-mediated.

Dermatitis herpetiformis

This code is used for dermatitis herpetiformis, a skin condition often associated with celiac disease.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K90.0Celiac diseaseUse when celiac disease is confirmed by serology and biopsy.
  • Positive IgA anti-tTG (≥10 U/mL)
  • Marsh Type 3 villous atrophy on duodenal biopsy
K90.41Non-celiac gluten sensitivityUse when celiac disease is excluded and symptoms improve on a gluten-free diet.
  • Negative celiac serology (IgA anti-tTG <4 U/mL)
  • Symptom improvement on gluten-free diet
Z91.038Allergy to other foodsUse when an IgE-mediated allergy to gluten is confirmed.
  • IgE-positive wheat/gluten allergy via skin prick test or serum IgE

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 gluten allergy

Essential facts and insights about Gluten Allergy

The ICD-10 code for gluten allergy is Z91.038 for IgE-mediated cases, while non-celiac gluten sensitivity is coded as K90.41.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for gluten allergy

Celiac disease
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Positive IgA anti-tTG and biopsy confirmation.

Applicable To

  • Gluten-sensitive enteropathy

Excludes

  • Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (K90.41)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive IgA anti-tTG (≥10 U/mL)
  • Marsh Type 3 villous atrophy on duodenal biopsy

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misdiagnosis if serology and biopsy are not properly documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes serology and biopsy results.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dermatitis herpetiformis

L13.0
Use when dermatitis herpetiformis is present alongside celiac disease.

Differential Codes

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

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity

K90.41
Negative celiac serology and biopsy with symptom resolution on a gluten-free diet.

Celiac disease

K90.0
Positive serology and biopsy.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Gluten Allergy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K90.0.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate allergy records affecting patient management., Regulatory: Non-compliance with allergy documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to lack of evidence.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify IgE test results before documenting allergy., Educate providers on the difference between allergy and sensitivity.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to potential underpayment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient care.

Mitigation Strategy

Confirm negative serology and biopsy before assigning K90.41.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential claim denial due to lack of evidence., Compliance: Violation of coding standards., Data Quality: Misleading allergy records.

Mitigation Strategy

Query provider for IgE test results before coding.

Impact

Misclassification of gluten sensitivity as celiac disease or allergy.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on gluten-related disorder coding and documentation.

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

Documentation Templates for Gluten Allergy

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

Gastroenterology Progress Note

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Chief Complaint
  • Assessment
  • Diagnosis

Example Documentation

Chief Complaint: Chronic diarrhea and bloating after gluten exposure. Assessment: IgA anti-tTG: 12 U/mL, Duodenal biopsy: Marsh Type 3c villous atrophy, HLA-DQ2 positive. Diagnosis: Celiac disease (K90.0), Dermatitis herpetiformis (L13.0).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient avoids gluten; likely celiac.
Good Documentation Example
Negative IgA anti-tTG (3 U/mL), normal duodenal biopsy, resolution of bloating on gluten-free diet. Diagnosis: Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (K90.41).
Explanation
The good example provides specific test results and symptom resolution, supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Gluten Allergy? Ask your questions below.

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