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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesK29.50

K29.50

Billable

Unspecified chronic gastritis without bleeding

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

Code Description

ICD-10 K29.50 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified chronic gastritis without bleeding.

Key Diagnostic Point:

K29.50 refers to unspecified chronic gastritis without bleeding, a condition characterized by the inflammation of the gastric mucosa that persists over time. Chronic gastritis can result from various etiologies, including autoimmune disorders, chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and excessive alcohol consumption. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and dyspepsia, although some may be asymptomatic. The anatomy involved primarily includes the stomach, particularly the gastric mucosa, which can undergo changes such as atrophy or metaplasia over time. Disease progression can lead to complications such as peptic ulcers or gastric cancer if left untreated. Diagnostic considerations include endoscopy, which may reveal mucosal changes, and biopsy to assess for H. pylori infection or other pathological changes. Laboratory tests may also be utilized to rule out other gastrointestinal disorders.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires differentiation from acute gastritis and other gastrointestinal disorders.
  • Treatment complexity: Management may involve lifestyle modifications, medications, and addressing underlying causes.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical history and symptomatology must be documented.
  • Coding specificity: Requires accurate coding to specify the absence of bleeding and chronicity.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification with acute gastritis codes.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete patient history or symptom documentation.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if the chronicity or absence of bleeding is not clearly 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

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

Chronic gastritis, particularly when unspecified, can significantly impact patient quality of life and healthcare utilization. It is prevalent in various populations, often linked to lifestyle factors such as diet and medication use. Understanding and accurately coding K29.50 can improve population health management by ensuring appropriate treatment pathways are followed, thereby reducing the risk of complications such as peptic ulcers or gastric cancer. Quality measures related to gastrointestinal health can also be enhanced through accurate coding and documentation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Chronic gastritis, particularly when unspecified, can significantly impact patient quality of life and healthcare utilization. It is prevalent in various populations, often linked to lifestyle factors such as diet and medication use. Understanding and accurately coding K29.50 can improve population health management by ensuring appropriate treatment pathways are followed, thereby reducing the risk of complications such as peptic ulcers or gastric cancer. Quality measures related to gastrointestinal health can also be enhanced through accurate coding and documentation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the diagnosis is clearly linked to the services provided, such as endoscopy or medical management. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation of chronicity or misclassification with acute gastritis codes. Best practices include thorough documentation of patient history, treatment plans, and follow-up care to support the medical necessity of services rendered.

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 K29.50?

K29.50 encompasses chronic gastritis that does not present with bleeding, including cases of chronic atrophic gastritis and gastritis due to H. pylori infection, among others. It is essential to differentiate it from acute gastritis and other gastrointestinal conditions.

When should K29.50 be used instead of related codes?

K29.50 should be used when a patient has chronic gastritis without any evidence of bleeding. If there are signs of bleeding, K29.51 should be selected. Accurate documentation of symptoms and diagnostic findings is crucial for appropriate code selection.

What documentation supports K29.50?

Documentation should include a thorough patient history, symptom description, diagnostic test results, and any treatments attempted. Endoscopic findings and biopsy results, if performed, should also be included to support the diagnosis of chronic gastritis.