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ICD-10 Coding for Globus Pharyngeus(F45.8, K21.9)

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

Also known as:

Globus SensationGlobus HystericusThroat Lump Sensation

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Globus Pharyngeus

F45-F48Primary Range

Neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders

Includes functional disorders like globus pharyngeus when psychogenic in origin.

Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum

Includes GERD, which can be a cause of globus sensation.

Symptoms and signs involving speech and voice

Includes voice and resonance disorders that may accompany globus sensation.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F45.8Other somatoform disordersUse when globus sensation is determined to be psychogenic after excluding organic causes.
  • Normal imaging studies
  • Psychological factors present
  • No structural abnormalities
K21.9Gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitisUse when globus sensation is due to GERD.
  • Abnormal pH monitoring
  • Response to PPI treatment

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 globus pharyngeus

Essential facts and insights about Globus Pharyngeus

The ICD-10 code for globus pharyngeus is F45.8 when psychogenic. Use K21.9 if related to GERD.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for globus pharyngeus

Other somatoform disorders
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Absence of structural abnormalities on imaging

coding Criteria

  • Presence of psychological factors

documentation Criteria

  • Documented normal laryngoscopy

Applicable To

  • Psychogenic dysphagia
  • Globus hystericus

Excludes

  • Sleep-related teeth grinding (G47.63)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Normal imaging studies
  • Psychological factors present
  • No structural abnormalities

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if organic causes are not ruled out

Coding Notes

  • Ensure psychological assessment is documented to support F45.8.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other voice and resonance disorders

R49.8
Use if there are concurrent voice changes or laryngeal tension.

Differential Codes

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

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitis

K21.9
Use when globus is associated with GERD, confirmed by pH monitoring.

Other somatoform disorders

F45.8
Use F45.8 if globus is psychogenic and not related to GERD.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Globus Pharyngeus to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F45.8.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis of the condition, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Include psychological assessment in documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential denials due to lack of supporting documentation, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all structural causes are excluded before using F45.8.

Impact

Lack of documentation supporting psychogenic diagnosis can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of psychological factors and normal test results.

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 Globus Pharyngeus, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Globus Pharyngeus

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

Functional Globus in Primary Care

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Normal physical exam
  • Psychological factors

Example Documentation

Subjective: 'Throat lump sensation, no pain or swallowing difficulty.' Objective: Normal ENT exam. Assessment: F45.8 - Functional globus. Plan: Stress management, follow-up in 3 months.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient reports throat lump. Rule out mass.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports persistent throat lump sensation, no dysphagia, normal laryngoscopy. Likely stress-related.
Explanation
The good example provides a complete clinical picture and excludes organic causes.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Globus Pharyngeus? Ask your questions below.

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