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ICD-10 Coding for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease without Esophagitis(K21.9)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease without Esophagitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

GERD without esophagitisNon-erosive reflux disease

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease without Esophagitis

K20-K31Primary Range

Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum

This range includes GERD and related esophageal conditions.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for GERD without esophagitis

Essential facts and insights about Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease without Esophagitis

ICD-10 code K21.9 is used for gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitis, confirmed by endoscopy showing no esophageal inflammation.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for k219 icd 10

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Endoscopy confirms absence of esophagitis.

documentation Criteria

  • Provider note must state 'GERD without esophagitis'.

Applicable To

  • GERD without esophagitis

Excludes

  • GERD with esophagitis (K21.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Endoscopy showing no esophagitis
  • pH monitoring confirming reflux without esophagitis

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding GERD with esophagitis as K21.9

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation explicitly states 'without esophagitis'.

Ancillary Codes

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

Heartburn

R12
Use for documenting symptoms related to GERD.

Differential Codes

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

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis

K21.0
Use K21.0 if endoscopy shows esophagitis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease without Esophagitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K21.9.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Require endoscopy results before coding.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify endoscopy results before coding.

Impact

Coding GERD without proper confirmation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes endoscopy results.

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 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease without Esophagitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease without Esophagitis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease without Esophagitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Confirmed GERD without esophagitis

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Endoscopy findings
  • Diagnosis confirmation
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Assessment: GERD without esophagitis confirmed by EGD showing no mucosal injury.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has reflux symptoms.
Good Documentation Example
GERD without esophagitis confirmed by EGD.
Explanation
Good example specifies confirmation and absence of esophagitis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease without Esophagitis? Ask your questions below.

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