Facebook tracking pixelLaryngopharyngeal Reflux - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation
K21.9
ICD-10-CM
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

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

Silent Reflux
Extraesophageal Reflux

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Backflow of stomach acid into the larynx and throat.
  • Clinical Signs : Hoarseness, chronic cough, throat clearing, globus sensation.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, ENT, gastroenterology clinics.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC K21.9 Coding
K21.9

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease

GERD, including laryngopharyngeal manifestations.

J31.0

Chronic laryngitis

Inflammation of the larynx, sometimes caused by reflux.

J37.0

Chronic pharyngitis

Persistent throat inflammation, potentially linked to reflux.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Zenker's Diverticulum

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) diagnosis documented
  • Symptoms: hoarseness, throat clearing, globus sensation
  • Physical exam findings: posterior laryngeal erythema/edema
  • Exclude other diagnoses: allergy, infection, vocal cord dysfunction
  • Treatment plan: lifestyle modifications, acid suppression therapy

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Symptom Coding

    Coding reflux symptoms (e.g., cough, throat clearing) instead of LPR itself when diagnosed. Impacts reimbursement and data accuracy.

  • Unspecified LPR

    Using unspecified codes when documentation supports a more specific LPR diagnosis. Reduces specificity for quality reporting.

  • Comorbidity Capture

    Missing documentation and coding of LPR-related comorbidities (e.g., asthma, laryngitis) impacting severity and resource allocation.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Elevate head of bed 6-8 inches. ICD-10: K21.9, CDI: Reflux symptoms
  • Avoid trigger foods (acidic, fatty, spicy). ICD-10: K21.9, CDI: Dietary modifications
  • Eat small, frequent meals. Stop eating 2-3 hours before bed. CDI: Lifestyle changes
  • Weight loss if needed. ICD-10: E66.9, CDI: Obesity management
  • Limit alcohol and tobacco. ICD-10: F10, Z72.0, CDI: Substance use education

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify symptoms: heartburn, hoarseness, cough, throat clearing
  • Document Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) score
  • Assess for laryngeal exam findings: edema, erythema
  • Consider 24-hour pH monitoring if diagnosis unclear
  • Rule out other causes: allergy, infection, vocal abuse

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) Reimbursement & Quality Metrics Impact Summary
  • ICD-10-CM: K21.9 (LPR), CPT: 92524 (laryngoscopy), accurate coding maximizes reimbursement.
  • Quality metrics: track diagnosis accuracy, treatment effectiveness (PPI therapy), patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).
  • Proper documentation of LPR symptoms, exam findings, and treatment response improves coding accuracy, impacts hospital value-based care.
  • Timely and accurate LPR coding minimizes claim denials, improves revenue cycle management (RCM), boosts hospital reimbursement.

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 LPR symptoms, not just GERD
  • Document reflux findings clearly
  • K21.9 often appropriate for LPR
  • Consider other esophageal codes
  • Exclude dyspepsia if solely LPR

Documentation Templates

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.