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R11.2
ICD-10-CM
Nausea and Vomiting

Find information on nausea and vomiting diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 R11, CPT codes), differential diagnosis, symptoms, causes, and treatment. This resource covers healthcare best practices for documenting nausea and vomiting, emesis, and related gastrointestinal issues for accurate billing and coding. Learn about the evaluation and management of nausea and vomiting in a clinical setting.

Also known as

Nausea
Vomiting
Emesis
+2 more

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Uneasiness of the stomach with an urge to vomit.
  • Clinical Signs : Retching, abdominal discomfort, dehydration, dizziness.
  • Common Settings : Gastroenteritis, pregnancy, medication side effects, food poisoning.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC R11.2 Coding
R11

Nausea and vomiting

Symptoms of nausea and vomiting, unspecified cause.

K52

Noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis

Digestive inflammation causing nausea and vomiting, excluding infections.

A04-A09

Bacterial intestinal infections

Infections like salmonellosis or E. coli can cause nausea and vomiting.

R53

Malaise and fatigue

General weakness and discomfort, which may include nausea and vomiting.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the N&V due to pregnancy?

  • Yes

    Is it hyperemesis gravidarum?

  • No

    Is it related to chemotherapy?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Nausea and vomiting
Gastroenteritis
Hyperemesis gravidarum

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Nausea and vomiting: onset, duration, frequency
  • Characterize vomiting: color, consistency, volume
  • Associated symptoms: abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea
  • Triggers/exacerbating/relieving factors documented
  • Differential diagnosis considered and ruled out

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document nausea/vomiting severity, frequency, and associated symptoms for accurate ICD-10 coding (R11).
  • Specify vomiting type (e.g., bilious, hematemesis) for precise E/M coding and CDI.
  • Rule out pregnancy in females of childbearing age for compliant billing and diagnosis.
  • Document interventions and response to treatment to support medical necessity and justify higher-level codes.
  • Query physician for clarification if documentation lacks detail for specific nausea/vomiting etiology.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify nausea/vomiting onset, duration, and frequency (ICD-10 R11, symptom timing)
  • Assess associated symptoms: abdominal pain, fever, headache (diagnosis accuracy)
  • Rule out medication side effects, pregnancy (patient safety, differential diagnosis)
  • Consider dehydration signs: dry mouth, dizziness (fluid management, patient care)
  • Document severity: mild, moderate, severe (patient assessment, clinical coding)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Nausea and vomiting reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (R11 series) linked to the underlying etiology for optimal payment.
  • Coding specificity impacts nausea and vomiting quality metrics like average length of stay, 30-day readmissions, and patient satisfaction scores.
  • Proper documentation of nausea and vomiting severity and management affects hospital case-mix index and resource utilization.
  • Accurate E/M coding reflecting nausea and vomiting assessment and treatment complexity ensures appropriate physician 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
  • Document nausea/vomiting specifics
  • Specify duration, severity, & context
  • R/O pregnancy if applicable
  • Consider underlying causes, code appropriately
  • Check for dehydration, electrolyte imbalance

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaint of nausea and vomiting.  Onset, duration, frequency, and character of emesis were documented.  Associated symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, chills, headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness were explored and recorded.  Precipitating factors including recent dietary intake, medication use, travel history, and possible exposures were investigated.  Severity of nausea and vomiting was assessed, noting any impact on hydration status and daily activities.  Pertinent negatives such as hematemesis, melena, or hematochezia were documented.  Physical examination findings including vital signs, abdominal exam, and neurological assessment were noted.  Differential diagnosis includes gastroenteritis, food poisoning, dehydration, pregnancy, migraine, medication side effects, gastroparesis, bowel obstruction, appendicitis, and other gastrointestinal disorders.  Assessment includes evaluation for dehydration based on clinical signs and symptoms.  Laboratory studies may include a complete blood count, basic metabolic panel, urinalysis, pregnancy test if applicable, and stool studies if indicated.  Treatment plan includes antiemetics such as ondansetron or promethazine, intravenous fluids if necessary for rehydration, dietary modifications as tolerated, and patient education regarding oral rehydration solutions.  Follow-up care was discussed and scheduled as needed.  Medical coding will consider ICD-10-CM codes for nausea and vomiting (R11.0, R11.1, R11.2) along with any associated diagnoses, and CPT codes for evaluation and management services as well as any procedures performed.  This documentation supports medical necessity for services rendered and facilitates accurate billing and reimbursement.