Esophagitis ICD-10-CM Codes

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Esophagitis?

Esophagitis is the esophagus's inflammation, often caused by various factors. Accurate coding is essential for proper medical documentation and billing. Below are six commonly used ICD-10-CM codes for esophagitis, along with their comprehensive clinical descriptions:

K20.0 - Esophagitis due to acid reflux

This code is used when esophagitis is caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), leading to acid-related inflammation.

K20.9 - Esophagitis, unspecified

Employed when esophagitis is diagnosed, but the specific cause or type is not identified.

K21.0 - Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis

Indicates the presence of esophagitis in conjunction with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

K21.9 - Gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitis

Used when GERD is diagnosed, but esophagitis is not present.

K22.0 - Achalasia of cardia

This code signifies esophageal achalasia, a disorder where the lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax during swallowing.

K27.0 - Acute esophagitis

Employed for cases of acute esophagitis, which infections, medications, or other factors may cause.

Which Esophagitis ICD Codes are Billable

The following ICD-10-CM codes for esophagitis are billable:

K20.0 - Esophagitis due to acid reflux

Yes, billable code for esophagitis caused by acid reflux is often associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

K20.9 - Esophagitis, unspecified

Yes, this code is billable when esophagitis is diagnosed, but the specific cause or type is not identified.

K21.0 - Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis
Yes, the billable code indicates the presence of both GERD and esophagitis.

K21.9 - Gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitis

Yes, this code is billable for cases where GERD is diagnosed, but esophagitis is absent.

K22.0 - Achalasia of cardia

Yes, billable code for esophageal achalasia, a disorder affecting esophageal motility.

K27.0 - Acute esophagitis
Yes, billable code for cases of acute esophagitis, often related to infections, medications, or other factors.

Clinical Information

• Esophagitis is the inflammation of the esophagus, the tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach.
• Common causes include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), infections (e.g., candida or herpes), and certain medications.
• Symptoms include heartburn, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), chest pain, and regurgitation.
• Diagnosis involves upper endoscopy, biopsy, and imaging tests to assess the esophageal lining.
• Treatment may involve lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, medications to reduce acid reflux, and treating underlying infections.
• Severe cases or complications may require hospitalization and intravenous therapy.
• Long-term untreated esophagitis can lead to complications such as strictures or Barrett's esophagus, which may increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
• Managing underlying causes and following medical advice is crucial for symptom relief and preventing complications.
• Preventive measures include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding trigger foods, and elevating the head of the bed during sleep.

Synonyms Include

• Esophageal inflammation
• Swollen esophagus
• Esophageal irritation
• Acid-related esophageal disorder
• GERD-associated esophagitis