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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK22.7

K22.7

Non-billable

Barrett's esophagus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K22.7 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of barrett's esophagus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Barrett's esophagus is a condition characterized by the abnormal transformation of the squamous epithelium of the esophagus into a columnar epithelium, often as a consequence of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing. The condition primarily affects the lower esophagus, where the normal lining is replaced by intestinal-type cells, increasing the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Disease progression can vary; while some patients remain asymptomatic, others may develop dysplasia, which is a precancerous change. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through endoscopy and biopsy, where the characteristic histological changes can be observed. Regular surveillance is recommended for patients diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus to monitor for dysplastic changes and potential progression to cancer.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires endoscopic evaluation and histological confirmation.
  • Treatment complexity: Management may involve lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, or surgical interventions.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed documentation of symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and treatment plans is essential.
  • Coding specificity: Requires accurate coding to differentiate from other esophageal conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification with GERD or other esophageal disorders.
  • Documentation gaps: Inadequate documentation of symptoms or surveillance findings.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if surveillance procedures are not well-documented.

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

Oncology

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

Barrett's esophagus is significant in clinical practice due to its association with esophageal cancer, making early detection and management crucial. The condition affects a notable portion of the population, particularly those with chronic GERD. Quality measures often focus on surveillance intervals and the management of dysplastic changes, impacting healthcare utilization patterns as patients may require ongoing endoscopic evaluations.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Barrett's esophagus is significant in clinical practice due to its association with esophageal cancer, making early detection and management crucial. The condition affects a notable portion of the population, particularly those with chronic GERD. Quality measures often focus on surveillance intervals and the management of dysplastic changes, impacting healthcare utilization patterns as patients may require ongoing endoscopic evaluations.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the necessity of surveillance endoscopies and the potential for additional coding for dysplasia if present. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation of the diagnosis or the rationale for surveillance. Best practices include ensuring that all procedures are clearly linked to the diagnosis in the medical record and that any treatment plans are well documented.

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 K22.7?

K22.7 specifically covers Barrett's esophagus, which may include variations such as non-dysplastic Barrett's and Barrett's with dysplasia. It is important to document the presence of dysplasia as it may affect management and surveillance protocols.

When should K22.7 be used instead of related codes?

K22.7 should be used when there is a confirmed diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus, particularly when there is evidence of intestinal metaplasia. It should not be used for general GERD symptoms without confirmation of Barrett's.

What documentation supports K22.7?

Documentation should include endoscopic findings, biopsy results confirming intestinal metaplasia, and any symptoms related to the condition. Surveillance intervals and management plans should also be documented.