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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR11.15

R11.15

Cyclical vomiting syndrome unrelated to migraine

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R11.15 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cyclical vomiting syndrome unrelated to migraine.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS) is characterized by recurrent episodes of severe vomiting that can last for hours to days, with symptom-free intervals in between. Unlike migraine-associated vomiting, CVS is not linked to headache or other migraine symptoms. Patients often present with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dehydration during episodes. The etiology of CVS is not fully understood, but it may involve autonomic nervous system dysfunction, gastrointestinal motility disorders, or psychological factors. Laboratory findings may show electrolyte imbalances due to vomiting, but no specific tests confirm CVS. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on the pattern of symptoms and exclusion of other causes of vomiting. It is essential to document the frequency, duration, and severity of episodes, as well as any associated symptoms, to support the diagnosis and coding accurately.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating from migraine-associated vomiting
  • Need for thorough documentation of symptom patterns
  • Exclusion of other gastrointestinal disorders
  • Potential overlap with other vomiting syndromes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptom frequency and duration
  • Misclassification as migraine-associated vomiting
  • Failure to document exclusion of other causes
  • Inconsistent coding across episodes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of vomiting episodes, including triggers, duration, and associated symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent vomiting without headache, often requiring hydration and electrolyte management.

Billing Considerations

Consider psychological evaluations if stress or anxiety is suspected as a trigger.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care notes should include vital signs, hydration status, and immediate interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting to the ED with severe vomiting, dehydration, and potential electrolyte imbalances.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and treatment are crucial; ensure documentation reflects the urgency of care.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R11.15 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding symptoms and signs
  • Ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation and that other potential causes of vomiting are ruled out

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R11.15 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits to manage CVS symptoms.

Documentation Requirements

Document history of present illness, review of systems, and management plan.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine may focus on chronic management, while emergency medicine may focus on acute care.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like CVS, improving the ability to track and manage this syndrome in clinical practice.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like CVS, improving the ability to track and manage this syndrome in clinical practice.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like CVS, improving the ability to track and manage this syndrome in clinical practice.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome Association

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome Association

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between CVS and migraine-associated vomiting?

The primary difference is that CVS occurs without the presence of headache or other migraine symptoms, making it a distinct clinical entity.