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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK29.21

K29.21

Billable

Alcoholic gastritis with bleeding

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K29.21 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of alcoholic gastritis with bleeding.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Alcoholic gastritis with bleeding is a condition characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining due to excessive alcohol consumption, leading to erosion and ulceration. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting (which may contain blood), and melena. The anatomy involved includes the gastric mucosa, which becomes compromised due to the toxic effects of alcohol, resulting in increased vascular permeability and bleeding. Disease progression can vary; chronic exposure to alcohol can exacerbate the condition, leading to more severe gastrointestinal bleeding and potential complications such as perforation or sepsis. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history focusing on alcohol intake, physical examination, and diagnostic imaging or endoscopy to assess the extent of mucosal damage and bleeding. Laboratory tests may reveal anemia due to blood loss, and stool tests may indicate the presence of occult blood.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires a detailed history and possibly endoscopic evaluation.
  • Treatment complexity: Management may involve hospitalization, IV fluids, and possible surgical intervention.
  • Documentation requirements: Requires comprehensive documentation of alcohol use and clinical findings.
  • Coding specificity: Specific to alcoholic gastritis with bleeding, necessitating precise coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification with non-alcoholic gastritis codes.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete history of alcohol use or lack of bleeding documentation.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if the relationship between alcohol use and gastritis is not clearly established.

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

Primary Care

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

Alcoholic gastritis with bleeding has significant clinical implications, as it can lead to severe complications and increased healthcare utilization. The condition is prevalent among populations with high alcohol consumption, impacting overall public health. Quality measures may include monitoring for timely intervention and management of gastrointestinal bleeding, which can reduce morbidity and improve patient outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Alcoholic gastritis with bleeding has significant clinical implications, as it can lead to severe complications and increased healthcare utilization. The condition is prevalent among populations with high alcohol consumption, impacting overall public health. Quality measures may include monitoring for timely intervention and management of gastrointestinal bleeding, which can reduce morbidity and improve patient outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement may depend on the severity of the condition and associated treatments, such as hospitalization or endoscopic procedures. Common denials may arise if the documentation does not clearly establish the link between alcohol use and the gastritis or if the bleeding is not adequately documented. Best practices include ensuring that all clinical findings, treatment plans, and patient histories are thoroughly recorded to support claims.

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 K29.21?

K29.21 covers alcoholic gastritis specifically associated with bleeding, which may manifest as hematemesis or melena. It is important to differentiate this from other forms of gastritis that do not involve alcohol or bleeding.

When should K29.21 be used instead of related codes?

K29.21 should be used when there is clear evidence of gastritis due to alcohol consumption accompanied by bleeding. If bleeding is absent, K29.20 should be utilized instead.

What documentation supports K29.21?

Documentation should include a detailed account of the patient's alcohol consumption history, clinical symptoms, diagnostic findings (such as endoscopy results), and any laboratory tests indicating bleeding or anemia.