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K21.0
ICD-10-CM
Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease with Esophagitis

Find comprehensive information on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease with Esophagitis, including clinical documentation tips, ICD-10-CM codes K21.0, medical coding guidelines, healthcare provider resources, symptoms of GERD, diagnosis of esophagitis, treatment options, and best practices for accurate medical record keeping. Learn about endoscopic findings in reflux esophagitis, complications of GERD, and effective management strategies. This resource is designed for physicians, nurses, coders, and other healthcare professionals seeking accurate and up-to-date information on GERD with esophagitis.

Also known as

GERD with Esophagitis
Reflux Esophagitis

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing inflammation.
  • Clinical Signs : Heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, difficulty swallowing.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, gastroenterology, endoscopy clinics.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC K21.0 Coding
K21.0

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis

GERD with inflammation of the esophagus.

K21

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease

Covers various forms of GERD, including with and without esophagitis.

K20-K31

Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum

Encompasses a wider range of upper digestive tract disorders.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is esophagitis present with GERD?

  • Yes

    With bleeding?

  • No

    Is there reflux esophagitis documented?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
GERD with esophagitis
GERD without esophagitis
Eosinophilic esophagitis

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • GERD with esophagitis diagnosis documentation
  • Symptoms: heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain
  • Endoscopy findings: esophageal inflammation, erosions
  • ICD-10-CM code: K21.0, reflux esophagitis
  • Exclude other esophageal disorders in documentation

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Esophagitis

    Coding GERD without specifying the esophagitis type (e.g., reflux, eosinophilic) leads to inaccurate severity and reimbursement.

  • Symptom vs. Disease Coding

    Coding reflux symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation) instead of confirmed GERD with esophagitis can cause undercoding and lost revenue.

  • Unconfirmed Diagnosis

    Lack of proper documentation (endoscopy, biopsy) to support esophagitis diagnosis poses an audit risk and potential denial of claims.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10 K21.0 accurate coding for GERD esophagitis.
  • Document esophagitis severity, endoscopic findings for CDI.
  • Z33.8 first trimester pregnancy complicating GERD if applicable.
  • Review medication list for reflux triggers, optimize compliance.
  • Lifestyle changes: elevate head of bed, avoid late meals.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify symptoms: heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain
  • Endoscopy confirmation: visualize esophageal inflammationmucosa
  • Consider pH monitoring if diagnosis unclear
  • Document LA classification Grade A to D for esophagitis
  • Assess and document contributing factors: medicationsdiet

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease with Esophagitis reimbursement impacts coding, documentation, and medical billing.
  • Accurate ICD-10-CM K21.0 code maximizes GERD with esophagitis reimbursement.
  • Quality metrics for GERD with esophagitis affect hospital value-based purchasing programs.
  • GERD esophagitis diagnosis impacts hospital reporting on quality of care and patient outcomes.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code K21.0 for GERD esophagitis
  • Document esophagitis type/severity
  • Dx confirmed via endoscopy? Code it
  • Consider symptom codes (dysphagia)
  • Exclude Barrett's (K22.7) if present

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with esophagitis.  Symptoms include heartburn, acid reflux, regurgitation, and dysphagia.  The patient reports experiencing postprandial burning sensation in the retrosternal area radiating upwards, often exacerbated by lying down or bending over.  Symptoms occur several times a week and interfere with sleep and daily activities.  Physical examination reveals no significant abnormalities.  Differential diagnoses considered include esophageal spasm, peptic ulcer disease, and angina.  An upper endoscopy was performed, revealing esophageal inflammation and erosions consistent with esophagitis.  Biopsies were taken and sent for histopathological analysis.  The diagnosis of GERD with esophagitis was confirmed based on the patient's symptoms, endoscopic findings, and histopathology.  Treatment plan includes lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes, weight management, and elevation of the head of the bed.  Pharmacological therapy is initiated with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for symptom control and healing of the esophagitis.  Patient education provided regarding GERD management, medication compliance, and follow-up care.  Patient instructed to return for follow-up evaluation in four to eight weeks to assess treatment response and discuss further management strategies if needed.  ICD-10 code K21.0 is assigned for esophagitis.  CPT codes for the upper endoscopy and biopsy will be documented separately.  Patient understands the plan of care and agrees to comply with the recommended treatment.
Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease with Esophagitis - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation