Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Ulcerative Esophagitis(K22.10, K22.11)

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

Also known as:

Esophageal UlcerUlcer of Esophagus

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Ulcerative Esophagitis

K22.1-K22.11Primary Range

Ulcerative esophagitis codes

These codes specifically cover ulcerative esophagitis, with distinctions for bleeding status.

Esophagitis and GERD codes

These codes cover other forms of esophagitis and GERD, which may be relevant for differential diagnosis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K22.10Ulcer of esophagus without bleedingUse when an esophageal ulcer is confirmed without any signs of bleeding.
  • Endoscopy report confirming esophageal ulcer without bleeding
K22.11Ulcer of esophagus with bleedingUse when an esophageal ulcer is confirmed with signs of bleeding.
  • Endoscopy report confirming esophageal ulcer with bleeding
  • Positive fecal occult blood 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 ulcerative esophagitis

Essential facts and insights about Ulcerative Esophagitis

The ICD-10 code for ulcerative esophagitis is K22.10 for cases without bleeding and K22.11 for cases with bleeding.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for ulcerative esophagitis

Ulcer of esophagus without bleeding
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Endoscopy shows ulcer without bleeding

Applicable To

  • Ulcerative esophagitis without bleeding

Excludes

  • Ulcerative esophagitis with bleeding (K22.11)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Endoscopy report confirming esophageal ulcer without bleeding

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if bleeding is not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure endoscopy findings are documented to support the absence of bleeding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Eosinophilic esophagitis

K20.0
Use if eosinophilic esophagitis is present alongside ulcerative esophagitis.

Alcohol abuse

F10.1
Use if alcohol abuse is a contributing factor.

Differential Codes

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

GERD with esophagitis

K21.0
Use K21.0 if there are erosions but no ulcers.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure endoscopy reports include bleeding status, Train staff on documentation requirements

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use K22.1- codes for ulcerative esophagitis.

Impact

Lack of bleeding documentation can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all endoscopy reports include bleeding status.

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 Ulcerative Esophagitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Ulcerative Esophagitis

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

Ulcerative esophagitis with bleeding

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Endoscopy findings
  • Bleeding status
  • Etiology

Example Documentation

Patient presents with hematemesis. Endoscopy reveals a 2cm ulcer in the distal esophagus with active bleeding.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Esophagitis noted, treat with PPI.
Good Documentation Example
3mm ulcer in distal esophagus with stigmata of recent bleeding. No Barrett’s. Biopsy negative for eosinophils.
Explanation
The good example provides specific ulcer details and bleeding status, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Ulcerative Esophagitis? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more