ICD-10 Coding for Esophageal Achalasia(K22.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Esophageal Achalasia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Esophageal Achalasia
K20-K31Primary Range
Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum
This range includes conditions affecting the esophagus, including achalasia.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for esophageal achalasia
Essential facts and insights about Esophageal Achalasia
Primary ICD-10-CM Code for esophageal achalasia
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- HRM confirms absent peristalsis and failed LES relaxation.
documentation Criteria
- Barium swallow shows bird's beak sign.
Applicable To
- Cardiospasm
- Achalasia NOS
Excludes
- Congenital cardiospasm (Q39.5)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- High-resolution manometry shows absent peristalsis with failed LES relaxation
- Barium swallow demonstrates bird's beak sign
Code-Specific Risks
- Confusion with GERD codes
- Misclassification with congenital forms
Coding Notes
- Ensure HRM and barium swallow findings are documented to support diagnosis.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Esophageal Achalasia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K22.0.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis or incorrect treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to lack of supporting documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure HRM results are included in all achalasia diagnoses., Train staff on documentation requirements.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Misclassification affects compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Impacts accuracy of clinical data and patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure HRM and barium swallow findings are documented to differentiate.
Impact
Lack of HRM documentation can lead to audit failures.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement checklist for required diagnostic documentation.
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 Esophageal Achalasia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Esophageal Achalasia
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Esophageal Achalasia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Initial diagnosis of achalasia
Specialty: GastroenterologyRequired Elements
- Chief complaint
- HRM results
- Barium swallow findings
- Symptom description
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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