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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR11.1

R11.1

Vomiting

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R11.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of vomiting.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Vomiting, classified under ICD-10 code R11.1, refers to the involuntary expulsion of the contents of the stomach through the mouth. This symptom can arise from a variety of underlying conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, infections, metabolic imbalances, and central nervous system issues. Vomiting can be acute or chronic and may present with additional symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, or dehydration. Clinical evaluation often involves a thorough history and physical examination, focusing on the onset, duration, and characteristics of the vomiting, as well as associated symptoms. Laboratory tests may include electrolyte panels, liver function tests, and imaging studies to identify potential causes. Understanding the context of vomiting is crucial, as it can indicate serious conditions such as appendicitis, pancreatitis, or intracranial pressure changes. Accurate documentation of the frequency, severity, and any precipitating factors is essential for proper coding and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes requiring differential diagnosis
  • Need for detailed documentation of associated symptoms
  • Potential for misclassification with similar codes
  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the cause of vomiting
  • Failure to specify acute vs. chronic vomiting
  • Misuse of related codes leading to upcoding or downcoding
  • Lack of supporting clinical evidence for the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of present illness, including onset, duration, and associated symptoms. Documentation of any diagnostic tests performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unexplained vomiting, often requiring workup for gastrointestinal or metabolic disorders.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of chronic conditions that may contribute to recurrent vomiting, such as GERD or diabetes.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation including vital signs, initial assessment, and any immediate interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute vomiting due to infections, trauma, or drug overdoses.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment of dehydration and potential need for IV fluids or further imaging.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R11.1 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 guidelines for coding symptoms, ensuring that the code reflects the specific nature of the vomiting and any associated conditions
  • Document the clinical context thoroughly to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R11.1 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99284CPT Code

Emergency department visit, high severity

Clinical Scenario

Used for patients presenting with acute vomiting requiring immediate evaluation.

Documentation Requirements

Document the severity of symptoms, vital signs, and any treatments administered.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine providers should ensure rapid assessment and intervention documentation.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like vomiting, improving the ability to capture the clinical context and underlying causes, which aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like vomiting, improving the ability to capture the clinical context and underlying causes, which aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of symptoms like vomiting, improving the ability to capture the clinical context and underlying causes, which aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I document when coding R11.1?

Document the frequency, duration, and characteristics of the vomiting, any associated symptoms, and the clinical context to support the diagnosis.