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ICD-10 Coding for Esophageal Stricture(K22.2, K22.3)

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

Also known as:

Esophageal ObstructionBenign Esophageal Stricture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Esophageal Stricture

K22.2-K22.3Primary Range

Esophageal obstruction and perforation

This range includes codes for esophageal stricture and related complications such as perforation.

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitis

Used when esophageal stricture is secondary to GERD.

Dysphagia

Ancillary code for documenting dysphagia associated with esophageal stricture.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
K22.2Esophageal obstructionUse when there is documented esophageal obstruction due to stricture.
  • Endoscopic evidence of luminal narrowing
  • Barium swallow showing obstruction
  • Biopsy ruling out malignancy
K22.3Perforation of esophagusUse when there is documented perforation of the esophagus.
  • Imaging evidence of perforation
  • Clinical signs of perforation such as mediastinitis

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 esophageal stricture

Essential facts and insights about Esophageal Stricture

The ICD-10 code for esophageal stricture is K22.2, indicating esophageal obstruction due to stricture.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for esophageal stricture

Esophageal obstruction
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of luminal narrowing confirmed by imaging

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed endoscopy report with measurements

Applicable To

  • Benign esophageal stricture

Excludes

  • Malignant esophageal obstruction

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Endoscopic evidence of luminal narrowing
  • Barium swallow showing obstruction
  • Biopsy ruling out malignancy

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as unspecified when specific cause is known

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the cause and location of the stricture.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dysphagia

R13.1-
Use to document associated swallowing difficulties.

Differential Codes

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

Other specified diseases of esophagus

K22.8
Use K22.8 for conditions like esophageal web not causing obstruction.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Esophageal Stricture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K22.2.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure biopsy results are included in the report, Cross-check with pathology

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes like K22.2 when the cause is known.

Impact

Risk of audits due to unspecified coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes and ensure thorough 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 Stricture, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Esophageal Stricture

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

Esophageal Stricture with GERD

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • History of GERD symptoms
  • Endoscopy findings
  • Biopsy results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with dysphagia and GERD. Endoscopy reveals a 5mm stricture at the GE junction. Biopsy negative for malignancy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Esophageal narrowing noted.
Good Documentation Example
Endoscopy shows 5mm stricture at GE junction, biopsy negative for malignancy.
Explanation
The good example provides specific measurements and biopsy results, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Esophageal Stricture? Ask your questions below.

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

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