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K25.9
ICD-10-CM
Gastric Ulcer

Find comprehensive information on gastric ulcer diagnosis, including clinical documentation requirements, medical coding guidelines (ICD-10 K25, SNOMED CT), and healthcare best practices. Learn about symptoms, endoscopic findings, H. pylori testing, differential diagnoses, and treatment options for peptic ulcer disease. This resource offers valuable insights for physicians, nurses, medical coders, and other healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and management of gastric ulcers.

Also known as

Stomach Ulcer
Peptic Ulcer

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : A sore on the stomach lining, often causing pain and discomfort.
  • Clinical Signs : Burning stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, indigestion, heartburn.
  • Common Settings : Primary care clinics, gastroenterology departments, hospitals (for complications).

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC K25.9 Coding
K25-K28

Gastric and duodenal ulcer

Covers ulcers in the stomach and duodenum, including acute, chronic, and unspecified.

K25

Gastric ulcer

Specifically addresses ulcers within the stomach lining.

K92

Other diseases of stomach and duodenum

Includes complications and other specified conditions related to the stomach and duodenum.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Active bleeding from gastric ulcer?

  • Yes

    Site specified?

  • No

    Ulcer is perforated?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Gastric ulcer
Duodenal ulcer
Gastrointestinal bleeding

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • HPI: Document epigastric pain details (location, quality, timing)
  • PE: Document abdominal exam findings (tenderness, guarding)
  • Diagnostics: Specify testing (EGD, biopsy, H. pylori test)
  • Diagnosis: Code confirmed gastric ulcer (ICD-10 K25)
  • Treatment: Document medications, lifestyle changes, follow-up

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unconfirmed H. Pylori Status

    Coding for H. pylori-associated ulcer requires documented diagnosis. Lack of testing or unclear results impacts code selection (K25.0-K25.7 vs. K25.9).

  • Acute vs. Chronic Ulcer

    Distinguishing between acute (K25.2) and chronic (K25.5) ulcers requires proper documentation of duration and symptoms for accurate coding and reimbursement.

  • Site Specificity Missing

    Gastric ulcer codes require specifying location (e.g., prepyloric, lesser curvature). Missing details can lead to unspecified codes (K25.9) impacting quality reporting.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Code H.pylori tests Z34.81, not V72.83
  • Document ulcer location, size for ICD-10-CM K25 specificity
  • Query physician for cause, e.g., NSAID use (K25.7)
  • Ensure dx linked to treatment in clinical notes for compliance
  • H.pylori positive? Document eradication therapy for CDI

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify H. pylori infection status (ICD-10: B96.8)
  • Confirm epigastric pain documentation (SNOMED CT: 22557008)
  • Endoscopy with biopsy for definitive diagnosis (CPT: 43239)
  • Assess for NSAID use (RxNorm: 867054)
  • Rule out Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ICD-10: E16.4)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Gastric Ulcer reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 K25 coding and supporting documentation for optimal payer contract rates.
  • Coding quality directly impacts MS-DRG assignment and case mix index for Gastric Ulcer, influencing hospital reimbursement.
  • POAs like H.pylori infection impact coding, affecting DRG and reimbursement for Gastric Ulcer. Proper documentation crucial.
  • Timely and specific coding of Gastric Ulcer complications minimizes denials and improves hospital revenue cycle.

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.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code K25.x for gastric ulcer
  • Specify location, e.g., K25.0
  • Document H. pylori status
  • Code complications like K25.4
  • Query physician for clarity

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with gastric ulcer, including epigastric pain, burning sensation in the stomach, nausea, and indigestion.  Symptoms are aggravated by food intake, particularly spicy foods, and relieved by antacids.  Patient reports a history of NSAID use (ibuprofen) for chronic back pain.  Physical examination reveals tenderness to palpation in the epigastric region.  Differential diagnoses include peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and functional dyspepsia.  To confirm the diagnosis of gastric ulcer, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was performed, revealing a well-defined ulcer located on the gastric lining.  Biopsy samples were taken to rule out Helicobacter pylori infection and malignancy.  Laboratory tests including a complete blood count (CBC) and comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) were ordered.  Patient education provided regarding lifestyle modifications, including dietary adjustments, smoking cessation, and stress management.  Pharmacological management includes a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prescribed for eight weeks to suppress gastric acid production and promote ulcer healing.  H. pylori testing is pending, and treatment will be adjusted accordingly.  Follow-up appointment scheduled in four weeks to assess symptom improvement and evaluate healing progress.  ICD-10 code K25.0 assigned for gastric ulcer.  Medical billing codes will reflect EGD procedure, laboratory tests, and medication management.