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ICD-10 Coding for H. pylori Positive(K25.9, B96.81)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for H. pylori Positive. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Helicobacter pylori infectionH. pylori gastritis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to H. pylori Positive

K25-K29Primary Range

Diseases of the stomach and duodenum

This range includes conditions like gastric ulcers and gastritis, which are commonly associated with H. pylori infection.

Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori] as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

This code is used as an additional code to identify H. pylori as the causative agent of another condition.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K25.9Gastric ulcer, unspecified as acute or chronic, without hemorrhage or perforationUse when a gastric ulcer is confirmed and linked to H. pylori infection.
  • Endoscopic findings
  • Biopsy results confirming H. pylori
B96.81Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori] as the cause of diseases classified elsewhereUse as a secondary code to indicate H. pylori as the causative agent of another condition.
  • Positive stool antigen test
  • Urea breath test results

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 H. pylori positive

Essential facts and insights about H. pylori Positive

The ICD-10 code for H. pylori as a causative agent is B96.81, used as a secondary code.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hours pylori positive

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

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed gastric ulcer with positive H. pylori test

Applicable To

  • Gastric ulcer due to H. pylori

Excludes

  • Gastric ulcer with hemorrhage (K25.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Endoscopic findings
  • Biopsy results confirming H. pylori

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect sequencing with B96.81

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation explicitly links the ulcer to H. pylori.

Ancillary Codes

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

Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori] as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B96.81
Use as a secondary code to specify H. pylori as the cause of the primary condition.

Differential Codes

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

Gastritis, unspecified, without bleeding

K29.70
Use K29.70 if the primary condition is gastritis rather than an ulcer.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting H. pylori Positive to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K25.9.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient condition, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes causal language, Verify test results are included

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied if B96.81 is used as a primary code., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding rules., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of patient diagnosis.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use B96.81 as a secondary code following the primary condition code.

Impact

Using B96.81 as a primary code can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coding staff on proper sequencing rules.

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 H. pylori Positive, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for H. pylori Positive

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for H. pylori Positive. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Confirmed H. pylori infection with gastric ulcer

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • Endoscopic findings
  • Biopsy results
  • Link to H. pylori

Example Documentation

Patient presents with epigastric pain. Endoscopy reveals gastric ulcer. Biopsy confirms H. pylori infection.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Gastric ulcer present.
Good Documentation Example
Gastric ulcer due to H. pylori confirmed by biopsy.
Explanation
The good example explicitly links the ulcer to H. pylori, meeting documentation requirements.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for H. pylori Positive? Ask your questions below.

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