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ICD-10 Coding for Mallory-Weiss Tear(K22.6)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Mallory-Weiss Tear. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Mallory-Weiss SyndromeGastro-esophageal laceration-hemorrhage syndrome

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Mallory-Weiss Tear

K20-K31Primary Range

Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum

This range includes conditions affecting the esophagus, such as Mallory-Weiss tear.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for Mallory-Weiss tear

Essential facts and insights about Mallory-Weiss Tear

The ICD-10 code for Mallory-Weiss tear is K22.6, used for gastro-esophageal laceration-hemorrhage syndrome.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for mallory weiss tear

Gastro-esophageal laceration-hemorrhage syndrome
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Endoscopy confirms tear at gastroesophageal junction.

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of Mallory-Weiss tear in medical records.

Applicable To

  • Mallory-Weiss syndrome with or without hemorrhage

Excludes

  • Esophageal varices (I85.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Endoscopy report confirming tear location/size
  • Documentation of hematemesis or melena

Code-Specific Risks

  • Mistakenly coding esophageal varices instead of Mallory-Weiss tear.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure endoscopy findings are documented to support the diagnosis.

Ancillary Codes

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

Hematemesis

K92.0
Use when there is active bleeding with hematemesis.

Melena

K92.1
Use when there is active bleeding with melena.

Differential Codes

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

Esophageal varices

I85.-
Presence of portal hypertension and liver disease history.

Peptic ulcer

K27.-
Associated with NSAID use or Helicobacter pylori.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Mallory-Weiss Tear to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K22.6.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify endoscopy findings before coding., Ensure documentation supports the diagnosis.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to lower reimbursement., Compliance: May result in non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always add K92.0 or K92.1 if there is active bleeding.

Impact

Lack of detailed endoscopy findings can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all endoscopy reports are detailed and complete.

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 Mallory-Weiss Tear, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Mallory-Weiss Tear

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Mallory-Weiss Tear. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Acute presentation with hematemesis

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Onset and duration of vomiting
  • Endoscopy results
  • Intervention details

Example Documentation

Patient presented with hematemesis following prolonged vomiting. EGD revealed 2cm longitudinal mucosal tear at gastroesophageal junction without active bleeding.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Upper GI bleed, likely from vomiting
Good Documentation Example
Acute hematemesis after 12hrs of retching. EGD shows Mallory-Weiss tear at 35cm with adherent clot. No varices visualized.
Explanation
The good example provides specific findings and excludes other potential causes.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Mallory-Weiss Tear? Ask your questions below.

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