Gastroparesis is a chronic, functional disorder that affects the normal spontaneous movement of the muscles (motility) in the stomach.

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Gastroparesis – Causes, Symptoms and ICD-10 Coding
A chronic medical condition, gastroparesis affects the normal spontaneous
movement (motility) of the muscles in the stomach. According to reports about
five million people in the United States are living with the symptoms of
gastroparesis (2021 statistics). Women are more likely to develop gastroparesis
than men. There is no specific cure for this gastrointestinal disorder. However,
following a balanced diet along with medications can help control the
symptoms. For correct documentation and claim submission for this chronic
gastrointestinal disorder, physicians can consider partnering with a professional
medical billing company.
Causes and Symptoms of Gastroparesis
Diabetes is considered the primary cause of Gastroparesis. Acid reflux, stomach
pain, abdominal bloating, and delayed stomach emptying can also be triggered
by certain medications like antidepressants, narcotics, allergy medicines, opioid
pain relievers, and high blood pressure medications. Additionally, viral and
bacterial infections can contribute to the development of gastroparesis. Other
potential condition that can lead to gastroparesis, include hypothyroidism,
nervous system complications such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease,
and connective tissue disorders (such as muscular dystrophy or multiple
sclerosis)
Primary symptoms of this gastrointestinal disorder include:
• Heartburn
• Vomiting and nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling of fullness (after eating just a few bites)
• Changes in blood sugar levels
• Abdominal pain and bloating
• Weight loss and malnutrition
Diagnosis of gastroparesis may involve diagnostic tests like –
• Gastric emptying study
• Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy
• Ultrasound
• Upper gastrointestinal series
• Breath test
• Gastric manometry
• Small intestine X-ray

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• CT scan
• MRI scan
Treatment for this gastric condition may include a combination of dietary
changes, medication and endoscopic treatment.
ICD-10 Code for Gastroparesis
The ICD-10 code to report gastroparesis is K31.84.
Gastroenterology medical billing and coding can be challenging.
Gastroenterologists need to be appropriately reimbursed for services provided to
patients. The diagnosis, screening tests and other procedures must be carefully
documented using the appropriate medical codes.
Accurate documentation is crucial for establishing medical necessity, ensuring
successful billing and correct coding. Failure to adequately demonstrate medical
necessity can result in denials and rejections of authorizations for diagnostic
studies, medications, lab tests, and other procedures. Both commercial payers
and Medicare typically have local coverage determinations (LCDs) in place for
testing and various procedures. These LCDs include officially accepted
diagnosis codes, as well as restrictions and indications for coverage (billing-
coding.com).
Medical billing and coding outsourcing to an experienced medical billing
company can provide access to the services of qualified billers and coders.
These experts can ensure accurate coding, reduce claim denials, ensure clean
claim submission, and maximize reimbursement for gastroenterologist’s
practices.