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Z98.84
ICD-10-CM
Bariatric Surgery

Find comprehensive information on Bariatric Surgery, also known as Weight Loss Surgery and Obesity Surgery, for accurate clinical documentation and medical coding. This resource covers healthcare procedures, diagnosis codes, and postoperative care related to bariatric surgery, helping medical professionals ensure proper documentation for optimal patient care and reimbursement. Learn about different types of weight loss surgery and explore resources for effective obesity management.

Also known as

Weight Loss Surgery
Obesity Surgery

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Surgical procedures aimed at weight loss by restricting food intake or altering digestion.
  • Clinical Signs : Obesity (BMI > 35 with comorbidities or BMI > 40), difficulty losing weight with traditional methods.
  • Common Settings : Hospital operating room, bariatric surgery center, specialized clinics.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC Z98.84 Coding
0DB60ZZ-0DB64ZZ

Bypass of stomach with small intestine

Surgical procedures creating a bypass of the stomach for weight loss.

0DB70ZZ-0DB74ZZ

Resection of stomach

Surgical removal of a portion of the stomach, sometimes for weight loss.

0DQ80ZZ-0DQ84ZZ

Placement of gastric band

Surgical placement of an adjustable band around the stomach to restrict intake.

Z68.41

Body mass index (BMI) 40.0-44.9, adult

Documents severe obesity, a common reason for bariatric surgery.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the encounter for a laparoscopic bariatric procedure?

  • Yes

    Gastric bypass?

  • No

    Open bariatric procedure?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Surgical treatment for severe obesity.
Non-surgical weight loss methods.
Obesity, a medical condition.

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • BMI documentation exceeding 40 or 35 with comorbidities
  • Pre-operative diet and exercise program details
  • Psychological evaluation and clearance documentation
  • Informed consent including risks and benefits
  • Operative report specifying procedure performed

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Procedure

    Coding lacks specificity (e.g., laparoscopic vs. open) impacting reimbursement and data accuracy. CDI crucial for clarification.

  • Comorbidity Capture

    Missing documentation of obesity-related comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) affects risk adjustment and payment.

  • Medical Necessity

    Insufficient documentation supporting medical necessity for bariatric surgery may lead to claim denials and compliance issues.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate ICD-10-PCS coding for bariatric procedures
  • Thorough pre-op documentation for medical necessity reviews
  • Post-op complication tracking aligned with clinical indicators
  • Standardized operative reports for compliant billing practices
  • Regular CDI audits for weight loss surgery documentation

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify BMI >=40 or BMI >=35 with obesity-related comorbidities (ICD-10 Z68.41)
  • Confirm documented psychological evaluation and nutritional counseling
  • Ensure appropriate pre-operative clearance including cardiac and pulmonary assessment
  • Check informed consent discussing risks, benefits, and alternatives of bariatric surgery
  • Review operative plan and confirm appropriate CPT and ICD-10-PCS procedure codes

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Bariatric surgery coding accuracy impacts reimbursement for procedures like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding.
  • Accurate obesity surgery coding (ICD-10, CPT) maximizes hospital revenue cycle management and minimizes claim denials.
  • Weight loss surgery reporting quality metrics affect hospital rankings, patient outcomes data transparency, and value-based care.
  • Proper bariatric surgery documentation and coding supports accurate APR-DRG assignment and hospital case-mix index (CMI).

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What are the most effective pre-operative psychological evaluations for bariatric surgery candidates to ensure optimal patient outcomes and minimize post-surgical complications?

A: Pre-operative psychological evaluations are crucial for identifying potential risk factors and optimizing patient outcomes after bariatric surgery. A comprehensive evaluation should assess the patient's understanding of the procedure, motivation for weight loss, eating habits, history of mental health disorders, and coping mechanisms. Specifically, clinicians should screen for psychological conditions like depression, anxiety, binge eating disorder, and substance abuse, which can significantly impact post-surgical success. Moreover, assessing the patient's social support system and their readiness for lifestyle changes is essential. Standardized questionnaires, such as the Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS), can provide valuable insights. Explore how integrating psychological interventions, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based stress reduction, can further improve patient adherence and long-term weight management after bariatric surgery.

Q: How can clinicians differentiate between the various bariatric surgery procedures (gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding) to determine the most appropriate intervention based on individual patient characteristics and comorbid conditions?

A: Choosing the most appropriate bariatric surgery procedure requires careful consideration of individual patient factors, including their body mass index (BMI), comorbid conditions, and lifestyle. Gastric bypass, known for its significant weight loss potential, may be suitable for patients with type 2 diabetes or severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Sleeve gastrectomy, a restrictive procedure, is often preferred for patients with high BMIs or those who may not tolerate the malabsorption associated with gastric bypass. Adjustable gastric banding, while less invasive, may be considered for patients with lower BMIs or those who prefer a reversible option. Clinicians must consider the potential risks and benefits of each procedure, including nutritional deficiencies, complications, and long-term efficacy. Consider implementing a multidisciplinary approach, involving dietitians, psychologists, and surgeons, to personalize treatment plans and optimize patient outcomes. Learn more about the latest advancements in bariatric surgery techniques and their respective indications.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code specific procedure, e.g., Roux-en-Y
  • Document BMI & comorbidities
  • ICD-10-PCS for inpatient
  • CPT for outpatient procedures
  • Check payer guidelines for coverage

Documentation Templates

Patient presents for evaluation and management of morbid obesity.  Discussion focused on surgical weight loss options, including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding, and duodenal switch.  Patient's body mass index (BMI) is [insert BMI value], calculated from a height of [insert height] and weight of [insert weight].  Comorbidities related to obesity include [list comorbidities, e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, hyperlipidemia, osteoarthritis].  The patient's medical history includes [list relevant medical history].  Current medications include [list current medications].  Risks and benefits of bariatric surgery, including potential complications such as dumping syndrome, nutritional deficiencies, and the need for long-term follow-up, were thoroughly explained.  We discussed the importance of preoperative dietary counseling, postoperative lifestyle modifications, and adherence to a prescribed exercise regimen.  Preoperative clearance requirements, including psychological evaluation and nutritional assessment, were reviewed.  The patient expressed understanding of the surgical procedures, recovery process, and long-term commitment required for successful weight loss.  Plan is to schedule [specify procedure, e.g., laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy] pending completion of preoperative clearance.  ICD-10 code E66.01 (morbid obesity) and relevant procedure codes will be used for medical billing and coding purposes.  Referrals to a registered dietitian and bariatric psychologist were made.  Follow-up appointment scheduled for [date].