ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK94.22

K94.22

Billable

Gastrostomy infection

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K94.22 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of gastrostomy infection.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Gastrostomy infection refers to an infection that occurs at the site of a gastrostomy tube, which is a tube inserted through the abdominal wall into the stomach for feeding purposes. Clinically, patients may present with localized symptoms such as redness, swelling, warmth, and discharge at the insertion site, along with systemic symptoms like fever and malaise. The anatomy involved includes the abdominal wall, skin, and underlying tissues surrounding the gastrostomy tube. Disease progression can vary; if untreated, infections can lead to cellulitis, abscess formation, or systemic infection. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination, culture of any discharge, and possibly imaging studies if deeper tissue involvement is suspected. It is crucial to differentiate between superficial infections and more serious complications, such as peritonitis or sepsis, which may require more aggressive intervention.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires clinical evaluation and possibly imaging to rule out deeper infections.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve antibiotics, wound care, and in some cases, surgical intervention.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed documentation of symptoms, treatment provided, and follow-up care is necessary.
  • Coding specificity: Requires accurate coding to differentiate from other gastrointestinal infections.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of the infection severity or type.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records of symptoms or treatment plans.
  • Billing challenges: Denials may occur if documentation does not support the diagnosis or if the infection is not clearly linked to the gastrostomy.

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

Surgery

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

Gastrostomy infections can significantly impact patient health, leading to increased morbidity and healthcare utilization. They may necessitate additional treatments, prolonged hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. Understanding the epidemiology of these infections is crucial for developing quality measures and improving patient outcomes, particularly in populations with high rates of gastrostomy placements, such as those with neurological disorders or severe dysphagia.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Gastrostomy infections can significantly impact patient health, leading to increased morbidity and healthcare utilization. They may necessitate additional treatments, prolonged hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. Understanding the epidemiology of these infections is crucial for developing quality measures and improving patient outcomes, particularly in populations with high rates of gastrostomy placements, such as those with neurological disorders or severe dysphagia.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the severity of the infection and the complexity of treatment provided. Common denials may arise if the documentation does not clearly indicate the infection's relation to the gastrostomy tube or if the treatment provided is not adequately justified. Best practices include ensuring that all clinical notes, treatment plans, and follow-up care are thoroughly documented and aligned with the coding guidelines.

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 K94.22?

K94.22 covers infections specifically at the gastrostomy site, including cellulitis, abscess formation, and other localized infections that may arise due to the presence of the gastrostomy tube.

When should K94.22 be used instead of related codes?

K94.22 should be used when there is a confirmed infection at the gastrostomy site, as opposed to K94.21, which is used for malfunction without infection. Clear clinical evidence of infection must be documented.

What documentation supports K94.22?

Documentation should include clinical findings such as redness, swelling, and discharge at the gastrostomy site, results of any cultures taken, and treatment provided, including antibiotics or surgical interventions.