Understanding Esophagitis: Find information on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of inflammation of the esophagus. This resource covers esophageal inflammation, clinical documentation, medical coding, healthcare best practices, and relevant symptoms for Esophagitis (ICD-10-CM code lookup available). Learn about causes, diagnosis procedures, and treatment options for Esophagitis.
Also known as
Diseases of esophagus
Covers various esophageal conditions, including esophagitis.
Gastroduodenal ulcers/other diseases
Includes conditions sometimes associated with esophageal inflammation.
Symptoms/signs involving abdomen/pelvis
May include symptoms related to esophagitis, like abdominal pain.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the esophagitis due to reflux?
Yes
With ulceration/stricture?
No
Due to medication?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Inflammation of the esophagus lining. |
| Esophageal inflammation due to stomach acid reflux. |
| Esophageal inflammation due to eosinophils. |
Coding unspecified esophagitis (K20.9) without documenting the specific type when known, impacting reimbursement and data accuracy. Medical coding, CDI, healthcare compliance.
Miscoding esophagitis as GERD (K21.9) or vice versa, leading to inaccurate reporting and potential denial of claims. Medical coding, CDI, healthcare compliance.
Failing to specify eosinophilic esophagitis (K20.0) when documented, affecting quality reporting and treatment planning. Medical coding, CDI, healthcare compliance.
Q: What are the most effective diagnostic approaches for differentiating eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults?
A: Differentiating eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) from GERD can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms. A key diagnostic step is an upper endoscopy with biopsy, looking for the characteristic >15 eosinophils per high-power field in the esophageal mucosa. While both EoE and GERD can present with dysphagia and heartburn, EoE is less responsive to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). A PPI trial can be diagnostic, with lack of response suggesting EoE. Furthermore, allergy testing can be helpful in EoE workup, as it is frequently associated with allergic conditions. Consider implementing a structured diagnostic approach including both endoscopic and clinical criteria. Explore how esophageal manometry can be used to complement the diagnostic workup. Learn more about the latest consensus guidelines for managing EoE and GERD.
Q: How can I effectively manage a patient with refractory esophagitis despite PPI therapy and suspected food allergies?
A: Refractory esophagitis despite PPI therapy raises the suspicion for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), particularly in patients with suspected or confirmed food allergies. In such cases, an elimination diet, guided by allergy testing (skin prick or patch testing), can be a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tool. Starting with an elemental diet or a six-food elimination diet can pinpoint triggers. An empiric six-food elimination diet usually eliminates milk, soy, egg, wheat, nuts/peanuts, and seafood. Endoscopic assessment with biopsies should be repeated after dietary intervention to assess for histological response. Consider implementing a stepwise approach for food reintroduction to identify specific triggers. Explore how topical corticosteroids can be used as an alternative or adjunctive therapy in managing EoE symptoms. Learn more about the long-term management strategies for food allergy-related EoE.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with esophagitis, including heartburn, dysphagia, odynophagia, and chest pain. The patient reports experiencing acid reflux, regurgitation, and a burning sensation in the throat or chest, particularly after eating or when lying down. Symptoms have been present for [duration] and are [frequency - e.g., intermittent, constant, worsening]. The patient's medical history includes [relevant medical history, e.g., GERD, hiatal hernia, eosinophilic esophagitis, medication use - NSAIDs, bisphosphonates, etc.]. Physical examination reveals [relevant findings, e.g., epigastric tenderness]. Differential diagnosis includes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), infectious esophagitis, medication-induced esophagitis, and Barrett's esophagus. To further evaluate the etiology of the esophagitis, an upper endoscopy with biopsy is scheduled. This procedure will allow for direct visualization of the esophageal mucosa and histopathological examination to confirm the diagnosis and assess for complications such as strictures or Barrett's esophagus. Depending on the findings, treatment options may include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, lifestyle modifications (dietary changes, weight loss, elevation of the head of the bed), corticosteroids (for EoE), or dilation for esophageal strictures. Patient education regarding esophageal health, dietary triggers, and medication adherence will be provided. Follow-up is scheduled to monitor symptom resolution and assess treatment efficacy. ICD-10 code K20 will be used for coding this encounter.