2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K20Esophagitis
K20 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for esophagitis, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as K20.0, K20.80, K20.81, and K20.90.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Specific Coding for EsophagitisOverview
Non-specific codes like K20 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:
Use K20.0 for Eosinophilic esophagitis
K20.8 for Other esophagitis
Use K20.80 for Other esophagitis without bleeding
Use K20.81 for Other esophagitis with bleeding
K20.9 for Esophagitis, unspecified
Use K20.90 for Esophagitis, unspecified without bleeding
Use K20.91 for Esophagitis, unspecified 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
Type 1 Excludes
- erosion of esophagus K22.1
- esophagitis with gastro-esophageal reflux disease K21.0
- reflux esophagitis K21.0
- ulcerative esophagitis K22.1
Type 2 Excludes
- eosinophilic gastritis or gastroenteritis K52.81
The “use additional code” indicates that a secondary code could be used to further specify the patient’s condition. This note is not mandatory and is only used if enough information is available to assign an additional code.
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
Clinical InformationClinical
Eosinophilic Esophagitis
chronic esophagitis characterized by esophageal mucosal eosinophilia. it is diagnosed when an increase in eosinophils are present over the entire esophagus. the reflux symptoms fail to respond to proton pump inhibitors treatment, unlike in gastroesophageal reflux disease. the symptoms are associated with ige-mediated hypersensitivity to food or inhalant allergens.Esophagitis
inflammation, acute or chronic, of the esophagus caused by bacteria, chemicals, or trauma.Esophagitis, Peptic
inflammation of the esophagus that is caused by the reflux of gastric juice with contents of the stomach and duodenum.
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.
