2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I85Esophageal varices

ICD-10-CM Codes›I00–I99›I80-I89›I85

ICD-10-CM I85
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

I85 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for esophageal varices, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as I85.00, I85.01, I85.10, and I85.11.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
I85
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Esophageal varices
Chapter
I80-I89
Diseases of veins, lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, not elsewhere classified

Code Classification

ChapterI00–I99Diseases of the circulatory system
SectionI80-I89Diseases of veins, lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, not elsewhere classified
CategoryI85Esophageal varices
This CodeI85Esophageal varices

Specific Coding for Esophageal varicesOverview

Non-specific codes like I85 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • I85.0 for Esophageal varices

  • Use I85.00 for Esophageal varices without bleeding

  • Use I85.01 for Esophageal varices with bleeding

  • I85.1 for Secondary esophageal varices

  • Use I85.10 for Secondary esophageal varices without bleeding

  • Use I85.11 for Secondary esophageal varices with bleeding

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Use Additional Code

  • code to identify:
  • alcohol abuse and dependence F10

Patient EducationClinical

Esophagus Disorders

The esophagus is the muscular tube that carries food and liquids from your mouth to the stomach. You may not be aware of your esophagus until you swallow something too large, too hot, or too cold. You may also notice it when something is wrong. You may feel pain or have trouble swallowing.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About I85Overview

Is I85 (Esophageal varices) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for esophageal varices, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for esophageal varices need a more specific code from this category, such as I85.00, I85.01, and I85.10.