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ICD-10 Coding for Peptic Ulcer(K25.0, K26.0)

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

Also known as:

Stomach UlcerGastric UlcerDuodenal Ulcer

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Peptic Ulcer

K25-K28Primary Range

Peptic ulcer diseases, including gastric, duodenal, and unspecified sites

These codes cover the primary classification of peptic ulcers based on location and complications.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K25.0Acute gastric ulcer with hemorrhageUse when there is documented acute gastric ulcer with active bleeding.
  • Endoscopy showing active bleeding
  • Hemoglobin level indicating anemia
K26.0Acute duodenal ulcer with hemorrhageUse when there is documented acute duodenal ulcer with active bleeding.
  • Endoscopy confirming duodenal ulcer with bleeding
  • Clinical signs of upper GI bleed

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 peptic ulcer with hemorrhage

Essential facts and insights about Peptic Ulcer

The ICD-10 code for an acute gastric ulcer with hemorrhage is K25.0, while an acute duodenal ulcer with hemorrhage is coded as K26.0.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for peptic ulcer

Acute gastric ulcer with hemorrhage
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of active bleeding on endoscopy

Applicable To

  • Acute gastric ulcer with bleeding

Excludes

  • Chronic gastric ulcer with hemorrhage (K25.4)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Endoscopy showing active bleeding
  • Hemoglobin level indicating anemia

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if chronicity is not specified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies acute vs. chronic and presence of hemorrhage.

Ancillary Codes

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

Alcohol dependence with withdrawal delirium

F10.231
Use when alcohol use is a contributing factor.

Blood alcohol level of 60-79 mg/100ml

Y90.3
Use when blood alcohol level is documented.

Differential Codes

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

Gastritis with bleeding

K29.7
Use when inflammation without ulceration is present.

Acute peptic ulcer, site unspecified, with hemorrhage

K27.0
Use when ulcer site is not specified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Peptic Ulcer to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K25.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inadequate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement for complications.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of endoscopy findings., Train staff on importance of detailed clinical notes.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and affect payment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the ulcer site and use the appropriate code.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of complications can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular documentation audits and training.

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 Peptic Ulcer, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Peptic Ulcer

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

Acute duodenal ulcer with hemorrhage

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Patient history of ulcer symptoms
  • Endoscopy findings
  • Hemoglobin levels

Example Documentation

Patient presents with epigastric pain and melena. Endoscopy reveals an acute duodenal ulcer with active bleeding. Hemoglobin is 9.0 g/dL.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has ulcer.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has acute duodenal ulcer with active hemorrhage confirmed by endoscopy.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location and complication details.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Peptic Ulcer? Ask your questions below.

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