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ICD-10 Coding for Food Bolus Impaction(T18.128A, K22.2)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Food Bolus Impaction. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Esophageal Food ImpactionFood Obstruction in Esophagus

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Food Bolus Impaction

T18.1Primary Range

Foreign body in esophagus

This range includes codes for foreign bodies in the esophagus, including food bolus impaction.

Esophageal obstruction

Used when there is a chronic stricture causing the food bolus impaction.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
T18.128AFood in esophagus causing other injury, initial encounterUse when a food bolus is causing injury in the esophagus during the initial encounter.
  • Endoscopic findings of food bolus in esophagus
  • Documentation of injury caused by the bolus
K22.2Esophageal obstructionUse when a chronic stricture is identified as the cause of the food bolus impaction.
  • Endoscopic confirmation of esophageal stricture

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 food bolus impaction

Essential facts and insights about Food Bolus Impaction

The ICD-10 code for food bolus impaction with injury is T18.128A.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for food bolus

Food in esophagus causing other injury, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of esophageal injury due to food bolus

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed endoscopic report confirming injury

Applicable To

  • Food bolus impaction with injury

Excludes

  • Foreign body in pharynx (T17.2-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Endoscopic findings of food bolus in esophagus
  • Documentation of injury caused by the bolus

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure documentation specifies the encounter type to avoid denials.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure that the documentation supports the use of an injury-related code.

Ancillary Codes

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

Foreign body entering through natural orifice

W44.2XXA
Use to specify the external cause of the food bolus impaction.

Differential Codes

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

Food in esophagus causing no injury, initial encounter

T18.120A
Use when there is no documented injury from the food bolus.

Esophageal spasm

K22.4
Use when the obstruction is due to spasm rather than a physical stricture.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Food Bolus Impaction to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code T18.128A.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to vague clinical data., Regulatory: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of findings, Use specific codes whenever possible

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced payment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on injury causes.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include W44.2XXA for foreign body entry.

Impact

Lack of detailed endoscopic findings can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement comprehensive documentation templates.

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 Food Bolus Impaction, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Food Bolus Impaction

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Food Bolus Impaction. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Endoscopic removal of food bolus

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Required Elements

  • Procedure performed
  • Findings during endoscopy
  • Method of removal
  • Complications, if any

Example Documentation

PROCEDURE: EGD with food bolus removal. FINDINGS: 3cm meat bolus impacted at GE junction. TECHNIQUE: Bolus fragmented with snare and pushed into stomach.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Food stuck in throat.
Good Documentation Example
Chicken bolus impacted at 25cm from incisors with erythematous mucosa and linear furrows.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location and mucosal findings, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Food Bolus Impaction? Ask your questions below.

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