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ICD-10 Coding for History of Bariatric Surgery(Z98.84, K91.89)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for History of Bariatric Surgery. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Post-Bariatric Surgery StatusBariatric Surgery Follow-Up

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Bariatric Surgery

Z98.84Primary Range

Bariatric surgery status

Primary code for documenting the history of bariatric surgery without complications.

Other postprocedural complications and disorders of digestive system

Used for complications following bariatric surgery.

Surgical operation with anastomosis, bypass, or graft

Used for complications related to surgical anastomosis following bariatric surgery.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z98.84Bariatric surgery statusUse for routine follow-up visits or when documenting the patient's history of bariatric surgery without current complications.
  • Operative report confirming bariatric surgery
  • Current BMI documentation
K91.89Other postprocedural complications and disorders of digestive systemUse when the patient presents with complications related to previous bariatric surgery.
  • Imaging or lab results confirming complication
  • Operative report correlation

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 history of bariatric surgery

Essential facts and insights about History of Bariatric Surgery

The ICD-10 code for history of bariatric surgery is Z98.84, used for documenting the status post-surgery without complications.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for history of bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery status
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient has undergone bariatric surgery with no current complications.

documentation Criteria

  • BMI and surgical history are documented.

Applicable To

  • History of bariatric surgery

Excludes

  • Current complications of bariatric surgery

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Operative report confirming bariatric surgery
  • Current BMI documentation

Code-Specific Risks

  • Omitting BMI documentation
  • Confusing with current complications

Coding Notes

  • Ensure BMI and any comorbidities are documented to support medical necessity.

Ancillary Codes

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

Morbid (severe) obesity

E66.01
Document comorbid obesity with bariatric surgery history.

Body mass index (BMI)

Z68.__
Document current BMI status.

Differential Codes

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

Other postprocedural complications and disorders of digestive system

K91.89
Use when there are specific complications post-surgery.

Bariatric surgery status

Z98.84
Use for history without complications.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Bariatric Surgery to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z98.84.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate patient history for future care decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify the type and date of surgery in notes., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims due to lack of medical necessity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include a BMI code to support the history of bariatric surgery.

Impact

Lack of BMI documentation in bariatric surgery follow-ups.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory BMI recording in all follow-up templates.

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 History of Bariatric Surgery, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for History of Bariatric Surgery

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for History of Bariatric Surgery. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Routine Follow-Up Post-Bariatric Surgery

Specialty: General Surgery

Required Elements

  • Patient's surgical history
  • Current BMI
  • Nutritional status

Example Documentation

Patient presents for routine follow-up 2 years post laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Current weight: 189 lbs, BMI 28.7. Denies vomiting, abdominal pain, or dumping symptoms.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient had weight loss surgery.
Good Documentation Example
Patient is 3 years status post Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, current BMI 32.
Explanation
The good example provides specific surgical history and current BMI, which are necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for History of Bariatric Surgery? Ask your questions below.

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