Find information on Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment. Learn about LPR medical coding, including ICD-10 codes and CPT codes, for accurate clinical documentation. Explore resources for healthcare professionals on managing and documenting LPR, including reflux laryngitis, extraesophageal reflux, and silent reflux. Understand the connection between LPR symptoms like throat clearing, hoarseness, and globus sensation and appropriate diagnostic testing and treatment strategies. This resource offers guidance on LPR clinical documentation best practices for improved patient care and accurate medical billing.
Also known as
Gastro-esophageal reflux disease
GERD, including laryngopharyngeal manifestations.
Chronic laryngitis
Inflammation of the larynx, sometimes caused by reflux.
Chronic pharyngitis
Persistent throat inflammation, potentially linked to reflux.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Symptoms consistent with LPR?
Yes
Laryngitis present?
No
Do not code LPR. Evaluate for other diagnoses.
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) |
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) |
Zenker's Diverticulum |
Coding reflux symptoms (e.g., cough, throat clearing) instead of LPR itself when diagnosed. Impacts reimbursement and data accuracy.
Using unspecified codes when documentation supports a more specific LPR diagnosis. Reduces specificity for quality reporting.
Missing documentation and coding of LPR-related comorbidities (e.g., asthma, laryngitis) impacting severity and resource allocation.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), also known as silent reflux. Symptoms include chronic cough, throat clearing, globus sensation, dysphonia, and postnasal drip. Patient denies heartburn or regurgitation, which differentiates LPR from typical gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). On examination, posterior laryngeal erythema and edema were observed. The reflux finding index (RFI) was calculated based on reported symptoms. Differential diagnoses considered include vocal cord dysfunction, allergic rhinitis, and chronic laryngitis. Diagnosis of LPR is made based on symptom presentation and clinical findings. Initial management plan includes lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes, weight management if applicable, and smoking cessation counseling if indicated. Patient education regarding avoiding trigger foods and elevating the head of the bed was provided. Pharmacological therapy with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is prescribed for a trial period of eight weeks. Follow-up appointment is scheduled to assess symptom improvement and adjust treatment as needed. ICD-10 code K21.9, gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitis, is used for billing purposes, as a specific LPR code is not available. CPT codes for the evaluation and management (E/M) visit will be selected based on the complexity of the encounter. The patient was advised to return sooner if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop. Patient verbalized understanding of the treatment plan.