Diseases of the digestive system
This chapter covers ICD-10-CM codes in the range K00-K95 for diseases of the digestive system. Covers diseases of the digestive system including disorders of the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas.
Chapter Overview
Key Statistics
- •Contains 10 categories and 72 total codes
- •Includes 7 billable codes and 65 non-billable codes
- •Chapter range: K00-K95
Clinical Relevance
Covers GI conditions including ulcers, IBD, and liver disease. Important for gastroenterology, hepatology, and general surgery.
Documentation Requirements
Requires anatomical location, bleeding status, and complications. Liver disease needs staging and cause identification.
Special Considerations
GI bleeding requires site and cause specification. Alcohol-related liver disease needs additional substance use codes.
Categories in this Chapter
Diseases of oral cavity and salivary glands
Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum
Diseases of appendix
Hernia
Noninfective enteritis and colitis
Other diseases of intestines
Diseases of peritoneum and retroperitoneum
Diseases of liver
Disorders of gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas
Other diseases of the digestive system
Chapter-Specific Coding Guidelines
General Guidelines for Diseases of the digestive system:
- GI bleeding requires specification of upper vs lower and acuity
- Inflammatory bowel disease needs specific type documentation
- Liver disease coding includes severity and complications
- Use additional codes for alcohol use when related to condition
Documentation Requirements:
- •Specific GI condition and anatomical location
- •Acute vs chronic presentation
- •Severity and complications
- •Underlying causes (alcohol, medications, infections)
- •Functional impact and symptoms
Sequencing Rules:
- Active bleeding typically sequenced first
- Complications sequence according to treatment focus
- Use combination codes when available
- Underlying conditions may take precedence
When to Use:
- ✓For primary gastrointestinal conditions
- ✓When GI condition affects treatment
- ✓For acute GI emergencies
- ✓When documenting chronic GI diseases
When NOT to Use:
- ✗Normal GI function findings
- ✗Screening encounters without abnormalities
- ✗Congenital GI anomalies (use Q codes)
- ✗Post-procedural states without complications
Special Considerations:
- ⚠Alcoholic liver disease has specific coding hierarchy
- ⚠IBD activity status affects code selection
- ⚠Post-operative complications need careful documentation
- ⚠Helicobacter pylori requires additional organism code
Version Updates
2025 updates emphasize precision gastroenterology, microbiome research integration, and advanced endoscopic procedures.
Recent Updates:
Microbiome-Associated Conditions
New codes for conditions linked to gut microbiome dysbiosis
Impact: Better documentation of microbiome-related GI disorders
Advanced Endoscopic Procedures
Enhanced coding for minimally invasive endoscopic treatments
Impact: Improved tracking of innovative GI procedures
Implementation Guidance:
- •Update IBD documentation practices
- •Review liver disease severity coding
- •Train on microbiome-related documentation
- •Implement quality measures for GI bleeding
Upcoming Changes:
- →Expanded precision nutrition coding in 2026
- →Enhanced coding for AI-assisted endoscopy
- →New categories for functional GI disorders
Related Resources
Essential resources for gastroenterology coding, clinical guidelines, and quality measures.
Official Documentation:
Related Chapters:
Tools and References:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I differentiate between upper and lower GI bleeding?
Upper GI bleeding (K92.2) originates above the ligament of Treitz. Lower GI bleeding (K92.1) originates below this anatomical landmark.
What's the difference between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis coding?
Crohn's disease (K50.-) can affect any part of the GI tract. Ulcerative colitis (K51.-) is limited to the colon and rectum.
How do I code liver cirrhosis with complications?
Use specific cirrhosis code (K74.-) with additional codes for complications like ascites (R18.-), varices (I85.-), or hepatic encephalopathy (K72.90).