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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK29.4

K29.4

Non-billable

Chronic atrophic gastritis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K29.4 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of chronic atrophic gastritis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Chronic atrophic gastritis is a long-term inflammation of the stomach lining characterized by the loss of gastric glandular cells and replacement with intestinal-type epithelium. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and dyspepsia. The condition can lead to complications such as gastric ulcers and an increased risk of gastric cancer. The anatomy involved includes the gastric mucosa, which undergoes atrophy, leading to decreased acid production and impaired digestion. Disease progression can vary; some patients may remain asymptomatic for years, while others may experience significant gastrointestinal symptoms. Diagnostic considerations include endoscopic evaluation and biopsy to confirm atrophy and rule out other conditions. Serological tests for antibodies against Helicobacter pylori, as well as vitamin B12 levels, may also be utilized to assess for associated deficiencies and confirm the diagnosis.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires endoscopic evaluation and histological confirmation.
  • Treatment complexity: Management may involve addressing underlying causes, such as H. pylori infection, and monitoring for complications.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical history, symptomatology, and diagnostic findings must be documented.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other types of gastritis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification with acute gastritis or other gastrointestinal disorders.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical history or lack of biopsy results.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to insufficient documentation of chronicity or complications.

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

Internal Medicine

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

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Chronic atrophic gastritis has significant clinical implications, including an increased risk of gastric cancer and vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to anemia and neurological issues. Its prevalence varies globally, often linked to H. pylori infection rates and dietary factors. Understanding this condition is crucial for improving population health outcomes, as early diagnosis and management can reduce healthcare utilization and improve quality of life for affected individuals.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Chronic atrophic gastritis has significant clinical implications, including an increased risk of gastric cancer and vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to anemia and neurological issues. Its prevalence varies globally, often linked to H. pylori infection rates and dietary factors. Understanding this condition is crucial for improving population health outcomes, as early diagnosis and management can reduce healthcare utilization and improve quality of life for affected individuals.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by appropriate clinical evidence, such as biopsy results. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for procedures like endoscopy. Best practices include maintaining thorough records of patient interactions, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans to support claims and reduce the risk of audits.

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 K29.4?

K29.4 specifically covers chronic atrophic gastritis, which may arise from chronic H. pylori infection, autoimmune conditions, or prolonged use of certain medications. It is characterized by atrophy of the gastric mucosa and may lead to intestinal metaplasia.

When should K29.4 be used instead of related codes?

K29.4 should be used when there is clear evidence of chronic atrophic changes in the gastric mucosa, typically confirmed through biopsy. It should be differentiated from acute gastritis (K29.0) and other forms of chronic gastritis that do not involve atrophy.

What documentation supports K29.4?

Documentation should include a comprehensive clinical history, results from endoscopic examinations, biopsy findings indicating atrophy, and any relevant laboratory tests that support the diagnosis of chronic atrophic gastritis.