2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K23Disorders of esophagus in diseases classified elsewhere
ICD-10-CM Codes›K00–K95›K20-K31›K23
- Billable — Valid for Submission
- Not Chronic
K23 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for disorders of esophagus in diseases classified elsewhere. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 391 through 392. The code is a manifestation code that cannot be reported as the principal diagnosis. Coders also document this condition as compression of esophagus. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Esophageal disorders.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Code EditsBilling
Medicare Code Editor checks that affect claim validity for K23.
Approximate SynonymsGuidance
Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.
- Compression of esophagus
- Ectopic artery
- Vascular compression of esophagus by aberrant artery
- Vascular compression of esophagus by aberrant right subclavian artery arising from descending aorta
Tabular List NotesGuidance
Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.
Code First
- underlying disease, such as:
- congenital syphilis A50.5
Type 1 Excludes
Certain conditions have both an underlying etiology and multiple body system manifestations due to the underlying etiology. For such conditions, the ICD-10-CM has a coding convention that requires the underlying condition be sequenced first followed by the manifestation. Wherever such a combination exists, there is a "use additional code" note at the etiology code, and a "code first" note at the manifestation code. These instructional notes indicate the proper sequencing order of the codes, etiology followed by manifestation.
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.
Clinical ClassificationClinical
AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.
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.
Convert K23 to ICD-9-CMHistory
The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About K23Overview
Is K23 (Disorders of esophagus in diseases classified elsewhere) a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report disorders of esophagus in diseases classified elsewhere on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What MS-DRG does K23 group to?
On inpatient claims, disorders of esophagus in diseases classified elsewhere maps to MS-DRG 391, 392, with relative weights from 0.7796 to 1.2683 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.
Can K23 be a principal diagnosis?
No. This is a manifestation code: disorders of esophagus in diseases classified elsewhere describes the manifestation of an underlying disease rather than the disease itself, so the underlying condition is sequenced first.
What is the ICD-9 equivalent of K23?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, disorders of esophagus in diseases classified elsewhere converts to ICD-9-CM 530.89 (other dsrders esophagus). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.
Footnotes
[1] Not chronic - A diagnosis code that does not fit the criteria for chronic condition (duration, ongoing medical treatment, and limitations) is considered not chronic. Some codes designated as not chronic are acute conditions. Other diagnosis codes that indicate a possible chronic condition, but for which the duration of the illness is not specified in the code description (i.e., we do not know the condition has lasted 12 months or longer) also are considered not chronic.
