ICD-10 Coding for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux(K21.9)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
K20-K31Primary Range
Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum
This range includes codes for gastro-esophageal reflux disease, which encompasses LPR.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for laryngopharyngeal reflux
Essential facts and insights about Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
Primary ICD-10-CM Code for laryngopharyngeal reflux
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of laryngoscopic findings supporting LPR
coding Criteria
- Absence of documented esophagitis
Applicable To
- Esophageal reflux NOS
Excludes
- Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis (K21.0)
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Chronic laryngopharyngitis
J37.0Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis
K21.0Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Laryngopharyngeal Reflux to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K21.9.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to under-treatment of esophagitis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement for higher-weighted DRG.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure endoscopy findings are documented., Review documentation for completeness before coding.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Violates coding guidelines for symptom coding., Data Quality: Leads to inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Omit J37.0 unless laryngopharyngitis is unrelated to reflux.
Impact
Using K21.9 when esophagitis is present but not documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough documentation review and confirmation of esophagitis status.
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 Laryngopharyngeal Reflux, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
ENT Evaluation for LPR
Specialty: OtolaryngologyRequired Elements
- Patient symptoms
- Laryngoscopy findings
- Reflux Symptom Index
- Reflux Finding Score
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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