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ICD-10 Coding for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth(K63.8211, K63.8219, K63.829)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

SIBOIntestinal Microbial Overgrowth

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

K63.82-K63.829Primary Range

Intestinal microbial overgrowth, including SIBO and IMO

This range covers the specific codes for different types of intestinal microbial overgrowth, including hydrogen-dominant SIBO, unspecified SIBO, and intestinal methanogen overgrowth.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K63.8211Hydrogen-dominant SIBOUse when hydrogen-dominant SIBO is confirmed by breath test.
  • Hydrogen rise ≥20 ppm over baseline by 90 minutes via glucose/lactulose breath test
K63.8219SIBO unspecifiedUse when SIBO is confirmed but gas type is not specified.
  • SIBO confirmed via breath testing without methane/hydrogen differentiation
K63.829Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO)Use when methane-dominant SIBO is confirmed by breath test.
  • Methane ≥10 ppm at any time during breath test

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 hydrogen-dominant SIBO

Essential facts and insights about Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

The ICD-10 code for hydrogen-dominant SIBO is K63.8211, confirmed by a breath test showing hydrogen rise ≥20 ppm.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for sibo

K63.8211
Hydrogen-dominant SIBO
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Hydrogen rise ≥20 ppm over baseline by 90 minutes

Applicable To

  • Hydrogen-dominant small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

Excludes

  • Methane-dominant SIBO

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Hydrogen rise ≥20 ppm over baseline by 90 minutes via glucose/lactulose breath test

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use without documented breath test results.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure breath test results are documented with specific gas type and levels.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

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

Abdominal tenderness

R10.84
Use to document associated symptoms of SIBO.

Diarrhea

R19.7
Use to document associated symptoms of SIBO.

Differential Codes

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

Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO)

K63.829
Use when methane ≥10 ppm at any time during breath test.

Hydrogen-dominant SIBO

K63.8211
Use when hydrogen rise is documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K63.8211.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inaccurate diagnosis coding., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure breath test results are included in documentation., Train staff on importance of detailed test documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May affect DRG assignment and reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes like K63.8211 or K63.829 based on breath test results.

Impact

Using K63.8219 without specifying gas type.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure breath test results are documented with specific gas type.

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 Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Hydrogen-dominant SIBO diagnosis

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Breath test type
  • Hydrogen levels
  • Symptoms
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Hydrogen-dominant SIBO confirmed via lactulose breath test: baseline H2=5 ppm, peak H2=32 ppm at 90 minutes. Symptoms: postprandial bloating, diarrhea 6x/day.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Positive SIBO test.
Good Documentation Example
Hydrogen-dominant SIBO confirmed via glucose breath test: baseline H2=5 ppm, peak H2=32 ppm at 90 minutes.
Explanation
The good example provides specific test results and gas type, which are necessary for accurate coding.

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