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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK22.710

K22.710

Billable

Barrett's esophagus with low grade dysplasia

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/06/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 K22.710 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of barrett's esophagus with low grade dysplasia.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Barrett's esophagus with low-grade dysplasia is a condition characterized by the abnormal change in the cells lining the esophagus, specifically the lower esophagus. This condition often arises as a complication of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where the acidic contents of the stomach repeatedly irritate the esophagus. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing, although some may be asymptomatic. The anatomy involved includes the esophagus, particularly the lower segment where the squamous epithelium is replaced by columnar epithelium, a process known as intestinal metaplasia. Disease progression can lead to higher grades of dysplasia and potentially esophageal adenocarcinoma if left untreated. Diagnostic considerations include endoscopy with biopsy to confirm the presence of dysplastic cells and to rule out more severe dysplastic changes. Regular surveillance is recommended for patients diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus to monitor for progression.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires endoscopic evaluation and histological assessment.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve lifestyle modifications, medication for GERD, and potential surgical interventions.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical history, endoscopic findings, and biopsy results are essential.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate between dysplasia grades and associated conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of dysplasia grade or failure to document prior GERD history.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete endoscopic reports or lack of biopsy results.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if documentation does not clearly support the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus with low-grade dysplasia.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Gastroenterology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Pathology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Barrett's esophagus with low-grade dysplasia has significant clinical implications, as it represents a precancerous condition that can progress to esophageal cancer. The population health impact is notable, given the rising incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma associated with Barrett's esophagus. Quality measures often focus on surveillance intervals and treatment adherence, while healthcare utilization patterns reflect the need for ongoing monitoring and management of patients with this condition. Epidemiologically, understanding the prevalence of Barrett's esophagus is crucial for developing targeted screening strategies.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Barrett's esophagus with low-grade dysplasia has significant clinical implications, as it represents a precancerous condition that can progress to esophageal cancer. The population health impact is notable, given the rising incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma associated with Barrett's esophagus. Quality measures often focus on surveillance intervals and treatment adherence, while healthcare utilization patterns reflect the need for ongoing monitoring and management of patients with this condition. Epidemiologically, understanding the prevalence of Barrett's esophagus is crucial for developing targeted screening strategies.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the need for regular surveillance endoscopies, which may be covered under preventive services depending on the patient's risk factors. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation linking the diagnosis to the procedure performed. Best practices include ensuring that all clinical notes are complete and that the rationale for surveillance is clearly articulated in the medical record.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for K00-K99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for K00-K99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific conditions are covered by K22.710?

K22.710 specifically covers Barrett's esophagus with low-grade dysplasia, which is characterized by the presence of abnormal cells in the esophagus lining that are not yet high-grade dysplastic or cancerous.

When should K22.710 be used instead of related codes?

K22.710 should be used when the diagnosis is confirmed as Barrett's esophagus with low-grade dysplasia, distinguishing it from K22.711 (high-grade dysplasia) or K22.709 (without dysplasia).

What documentation supports K22.710?

Documentation should include endoscopic findings, biopsy results confirming low-grade dysplasia, and a comprehensive history of GERD or other risk factors for Barrett's esophagus.