Gastrointestinal disorders are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The blog lists the top five gastrointestinal disorders and its related ICD-10 codes.

1. Top 5 Gastroenterology &
Digestive Diseases and Their
ICD-10 Codes
Gastrointestinal disorders are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The blog
lists the top five gastrointestinal disorders and its related ICD-10 codes.
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If you are experiencing severe abdominal pain, nausea or bloating, it could be a serious sign of a
gastrointestinal condition that may require immediate medical attention. Gastrointestinal
problems are quite common even though most people do not like to talk about such problems.
Gastrointestinal disorders refer to any condition or disease that occurs within the gastrointestinal
tract. Problems occur when nerves or muscles in any portion of the digestive tract (GI tract) do
not function in a coordinated manner or when the sensitivity of the nerves of the intestines is
impaired. Symptoms commonly include – pain, abdominal distension, heartburn, nausea,
constipation and vomiting. These illnesses are commonly treated by gastroenterologists. Many of
these conditions can be effectively prevented or minimized by maintaining a healthy lifestyle,
practicing good bowel habits and consuming over-the-counter medications.
Reports suggest that gastrointestinal disorders are placing a growing burden on Americans,
causing an unprecedented number of clinic visits and hospitalizations. It is estimated that an
overall annual healthcare expenditures for gastrointestinal diseases account for a total of $136
billion in the United States which is more than for heart disease, trauma, or mental health. It is
important for gastroenterologists to ensure correct diagnosis of symptoms, treatment, and coding
of different types of gastrointestinal disorders. However, with changing guidelines, coding and
billing for such disorders can be a complex task. Relying on the services of an established
gastroenterology medical billing company can help in accurate and timely claim submission for
appropriate reimbursement. Here discussed are the common gastrointestinal disorders and its
related ICD-10 codes –
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a
common digestive disorder that arises when the stomach acid backs up or refluxes in to the
esophagus (the tube connecting your mouth and stomach). Also called acid regurgitation, this
condition can cause a burning sensation (known as heartburn) in the chest. Generally, caused by
frequent acid reflux, the condition occurs among people of all age groups. However, it is more
common among obese or overweight people, pregnant women, active or secondhand smokers
and people who consume certain kind of medications. Heartburn or a burning sensation in your
chest, usually after eating is one of the common symptoms associated with the condition. ICD-10
codes related to gastroesophageal reflux disease are:

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 K21 - Gastro-esophageal reflux disease
 K21.0 - Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis
 K21.9 - Gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitis
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder
that affects the digestive system, particularly the large intestine. Also known as spastic
colitis/irritable colon, this is a group of intestinal symptoms that typically occur together and
causes inflammation in the digestive tract, resulting in severe complications. Reports suggest that
IBS affects about 45 million people in the United States. In fact, women are almost twice as
likely to develop this condition as men and the onset is usually before the age of 35 years (in
almost half of the cases). Common symptoms include – abdominal pain, cramping or bloating,
nausea, excess gas and bloating and change in bowel habits. The ICD-10 codes relevant to IBS
include:
 K58 – Irritable bowel syndrome
 K58.0 – Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea
 K58.1 – Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation
 K58.2 – Mixed irritable bowel syndrome
 K58.8 – Other irritable bowel syndrome
 K58.9 – Irritable bowel syndrome without diarrhea
Ulcerative Colitis - Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that
causes long-term inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. The condition occurs when the
innermost lining of the large intestine/colon, rectum or both gets inflamed, producing tiny sores
called ulcers on the lining of your colon. The exact cause for UC remains unclear, but
researcher’s claims immune system malfunctions as one possible cause. Treatment for this
condition involves anti-inflammatory drugs that help reduce inflammation by suppressing the
immune system response. On the other hand, if medications alone aren’t effective at controlling
the symptoms, surgery to remove colon may be an option. ICD-10 codes for diagnosing
ulcerative colitis include –
 K51 - Ulcerative colitis
 K51.0 - Ulcerative (chronic) pancolitis

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 K51.2 - Ulcerative (chronic) proctitis
 K51.3 - Ulcerative (chronic) rectosigmoiditis
 K51.5 - Left sided colitis
 K51.8 - Other ulcerative colitis
 K51.9 - Ulcerative colitis, unspecified
Gastritis – Gastritis is the inflammation of the protective lining of the stomach. The
inflammation is often the result of bacterial infections. In addition, regular use of certain pain
relievers and drinking too much alcohol also can contribute to gastritis. Symptoms of gastritis
include - abdominal pain (intermittent or constant burning, or gripping or gnawing pain), nausea
and vomiting, loss of appetite and bloating, burping and belching. If left untreated, gastritis may
lead to stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding. ICD-10 codes include –
 K29 - Gastritis and Duodenitis
 K29.0 - Acute gastritis
 K29.2 - Alcoholic gastritis
 K29.3 - Chronic superficial gastritis
 K29.4 - Chronic atrophic gastritis
 K29.5 - Unspecified chronic gastritis
 K29.6 - Other gastritis
 K29.7 - Gastritis, unspecified
Gallstones - Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid - usually made of cholesterol or
bilirubin - that forms in your gall bladder or bile duct. Also known as cholecystitis, these stones
can form when there is a chemical imbalance in the gallbladder. These can be tiny (the size of a
grain of sand), or may be as large as a golf ball. In general, gallstones don’t cause any symptoms
and don’t need any treatment. On the other hand, if a gallstone becomes trapped in an opening
(duct) inside the gall bladder, it can trigger a sudden intense abdominal pain (known as biliary
colic). Treatment for this condition usually involves medications (to dissolve gallstones) and in
more complex cases gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy). ICD-10 codes to indicate a
diagnosis of gallstones/ cholecystitis include –

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 K80 – Cholelithiasis
 K80.1 - Calculus of gallbladder with other cholecystitis
 K80.2 - Calculus of gallbladder without cholecystitis
 K80.3 - Calculus of bile duct with cholangitis
 K80.4 - Calculus of bile duct with cholecystitis
 K80.5 - Calculus of bile duct without cholangitis or cholecystitis
 K80.6 - Calculus of gallbladder and bile duct with cholecystitis
 K80.7 - Calculus of gallbladder and bile duct without cholecystitis
 K80.8 - Other cholelithiasis
 K81 - Cholecystitis
From embarrassing gas to uncomfortable heartburn, everyone suffers from gastrointestinal
disorders from time to time. Many of the symptoms of these disorders can be prevented or
minimized by making adequate in diet and lifestyle habits. Following healthy lifestyle practices
like avoiding fatty foods, practicing good bowel habits, drinking plenty of water and consuming
a high-fiber healthy diet can help prevent the complications of gastrointestinal disorders.
Healthcare providers need to be well-informed about the specific ICD-10 codes to report
common gastrointestinal disorders. Utilizing the services of a reliable medical billing and
coding company can help or support physicians to ensure accurate claim submission for optimal
reimbursement.