Gastroesophageal reflux disease in infant icd 10

Basics of GERD ICD 10 code

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disease, which happens when a muscle at the end of the esophagus does not close. It occurs when the stomach content flows back into the food pipe(esophagus). This reverse flow causes reflux, that irritates the lining of your esophagus and hence causes GERD. Upper GI (gastrointestinal) procedures (74240-74250) are the common procedures performed in when the patient comes with symptoms of GERD diagnosis. GERD ICD 10 code, K21.9, is the most commonly coded primary diagnosis for these procedures. We will learn more about the sign and symptoms for ICD 10 code for GERD.

Table of Contents Show

Basics of GERD ICD 10 code
Symptoms for diagnosis code for GERD
Coding GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) in ICD-10-CM
What is the ICD 10 code for GERD for infant?
What is the difference between GER and GERD in babies?
What is the 10 code for GERD?
What constitutes a diagnosis of GERD in infancy?

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Symptoms for diagnosis code for GERD

The most common symptom, which I have come across while coding is heartburn (R12) or dysphagia (R13.10).We have main other sign and symptoms for GERD ICD 10 codes which you find it below.

Sign and Symptoms for GERD

frequent heartburn
chest pain
regurgitation of partially digested food into the back of your throat
trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
coughing
sore throat
hoarseness

Commonly procedures performed for GERD

Barium Swallow (74220)

Modified Barium Swallow (74230)

Upper GI series (74240-74250)

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IC9 and ICD 10 code for GERD

In ICD 9 we have used 530.81, for coding GERD. Now, with the use of ICD 10 codes we have to use K21.9, as ICD 10 code for GERD. Hence, be careful if you are following ICD 10 coding guidelines, do use K21.9 code for gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Below are some the similar ICD 10 codes for GERD, which you can come across. ICD-10 is required for use by physicians and healthcare providers under the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA).

K21.0- Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis.

K21.9 -Gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitis.

Esophageal reflux indicates incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter and characterized by regurgitation of the gastric contents into the esophagus.

Esophagitis refers to an inflammation of the esophagus.

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Synonyms for GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Gastroesophageal reflux in child
Gastroesophageal reflux in children
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) (heartburn)
Laryngitis due to gastroesophageal reflux
Reflux laryngitis

Supporting CPT code for diagnosis Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

74240- Radiologic examination, upper gastrointestinal tract, including scout abdominal radiograph(s) and delayed image(s), when performed; single-contrast (eg, barium) study

CPT code 74241 has been deleted, now we have to use CPT code 74240

CPT code 74245 has been deleted, now we have to use CPT code 74240, 74248

74246- Radiologic examination, upper gastrointestinal tract, including scout abdominal radiograph(s) and delayed image(s), when performed; double-contrast (eg, high-density barium and effervescent agent) study, including glucagon, when administered

CPT code 74247 has been deleted, now we have to use CPT code 74246

+74248- Radiologic small intestine follow-through study, including multiple serial images (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure for upper GI radiologic examination)

Coding GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) in ICD-10-CM

Overview
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common disease encountered by the gastroenterologist. It is a chronic disease. This happens when the muscle at the end of the esophagus does not close. Anyone can have GERD, even infants and children. GERD can be with or without heart burn. The following guideline will provide an overview of GERD and its presentation, management of this common and important disease and comparison between ICD9 and ICD 10 Coding pattern.

Symptoms
Everyone has experienced gastroesophageal reflux. It happens when you burp, have an acid taste in your mouth or have heartburn. However, when these symptoms interfere in the daily activities it is a matter of concern

Other symptoms that occur less frequently, but can indicate GERD are:

Acid regurgitation (retasting your food after eating)
Difficulty or pain when swallowing
Sudden excess of saliva
Chronic sore throat
Laryngitis or hoarseness
Inflammation of the gums
Cavities
Bad breath
Chest pain

Conditions that increase GERD include:

Obesity
Smoking
Dry mouth
Diabetes
Asthma
Delayed gastric emptying

Diagnosis : Several tests may be used to diagnose GERD including :
X-ray of the upper digestive system

Endoscopy (examines the inside of the esophagus)
Ambulatory acid (pH) test (monitors the amount of acid in the esophagus)
Esophageal impedance test (measures the movement of substances in the esophagus)

Complications :

Esophageal stricture
Esophageal ulcer
Barretts’ esophagus.

Treatment & Management :
If GERD and asthma both are present then, managing GERD helps in controlling asthma symptoms.
Lifestyle changes that can help in improving the symptoms are:

Elevating the head of the bed 6-8 inches.
Losing weight.
Stopping smoking.
Decreasing alcohol intake.
Eating smaller meals and avoiding heavy evening meals.
Not lying down within two to three hours of eating.

Coding Guidelines for Coding GERD In ICD 10:

The coding guidelines for the common digestive system disease GERD is as follows :
In ICD-9-CM , 530.81 is the code for GERD.
In ICD-10-CM, there are two codes , but it doesn’t include the abbreviation GERD. The codes are:

K21.0, gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis.
K21.9, gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitis.

The only difference in ICD-10-CM is that the physician must document whether the patient has esophagitis, defined as – any inflammation, irritation, or swelling of the esophagus. When esophagitis is not documented, a query to the physician should be made for clarification purposes.

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What is the ICD 10 code for GERD for infant?

P78. 83 - Newborn esophageal reflux | ICD-10-CM.

What is the difference between GER and GERD in babies?

In infants, gastroesophageal reflux (GER) happens when stomach contents come back up into the esophagus, which can cause regurgitation and spitting up. GERD is a more severe and long-lasting condition in which GER causes repeated symptoms that are bothersome or lead to complications.

What is the 10 code for GERD?

Basics of GERD ICD 10 code Upper GI (gastrointestinal) procedures (74240-74250) are the common procedures performed in when the patient comes with symptoms of GERD diagnosis. GERD ICD 10 code, K21. 9, is the most commonly coded primary diagnosis for these procedures.

What constitutes a diagnosis of GERD in infancy?

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is a more serious and long-lasting type of reflux. Babies may have GERD if their symptoms prevent them from feeding or if the reflux lasts more than 12 to 14 months.